Press release no:20 - DVLA joins forces with Thames Valley Police in crime crackdown

The Reading area is significantly safer today following the conclusion of Operation Cubit II, a four-week joint offensive between DVLA, Thames Valley Police and Reading Borough Council to crack down on car crime.

During the operation, a total of 168 untaxed vehicles were clamped or seized, seven arrests were made, 22 motorists were given fixed penalty notices for having un-roadworthy vehicles and 42 were stopped for motoring offences – including no tax, no insurance, no license, disqualified driving and no MOT.

The operation was part of an initiative by DVLA, Thames Valley Police and Reading Borough Council to target untaxed vehicles, the drivers of which are often involved in other criminal activity such as drugs, anti social behaviour, burglary and violent crime. It also removes potentially dangerous vehicles from the road, often without MOT and insurance. The initiative demonstrates clearly the commitment of both Thames Valley Police and DVLA to work together to clean up vehicle crime and improve road safety.

“The drivers of untaxed cars are often involved in some other form of criminal activity, whether that be transporting drugs or driving without insurance or an MOT – both of which have a direct impact on the community and other motorists,” explains Jeff Mumford, Head of Compliance at DVLA. “In the four weeks of this operation, we have worked with Thames Valley Police to identify and seize untaxed vehicles. Numerous other offences were also identified and dealt with by the police.”

The change in car tax laws and the national crackdown by DVLA is great news for overall road safety. It helps the police to fight car crime by making more vehicles traceable and reducing the pool of unregistered and potentially unsafe cars that can be used with relative impunity by criminals. As car tax can only be purchased with a valid MOT certificate and insurance, it also reduces the number of illegal cars on our roads.

Commenting on the operation's success, Sgt Nigel Scarratt of Thames Valley Police said: “We are working closely with DVLA to remind drivers that not taxing their vehicle is against the law. Some of the vehicles clamped over the last two weeks were un-roadworthy and potentially dangerous, putting both their drivers and the public at risk.”

Sgt Nigel Scarratt, who worked with the DVLA, added: “It is common knowledge that vehicle crime is also linked to other crimes. Burglars and thieves steal cars and then use them as “pool vehicles” to drive around to offences. These vehicles are often un-roadworthy, untaxed and the drivers have no license or insurance.Tackling these vehicles means we can tackle the offenders as well.”

Tony Page, Reading's Lead Councillor for Community Action, said: "I witnessed recently at first hand, on the Shinfield Road, the effectiveness of these joint operations in tackling car crime. There is every chance that an individual driving an uninsured, untaxed, or unroadworthy vehicle is involved in other criminal activities. I want to see many more of these combined operations as it's a good use of resources. The innocent have nothing to fear!"

“We know that there still remains a core group of hard evaders who have no intention of paying tax, and are usually equally remiss with their MOT and insurance,” concludes Jeff. “They have no concerns about the possible consequences either to themselves or, more importantly, to law abiding members of the community.”

“This operation has been a great success and a further endorsement of the benefits of our new strategy. We know who these people are, where they are and what vehicles they drive, and now with the help of the police our answer is simple: we’re taking your car - no more warnings.”

1. The results of the 2004 Roadside Survey revealed that there are now nearly 700,000 fewer untaxed vehicles on our roads than in 2002, leading to improved road safety for all.

2. Members of the public can report unlicensed vehicles to DVLA on freephone 08000 325 202.

3. Under the new car tax rules, if a tax disc is not renewed on time the vehicle keeper will incur an £80 penalty. This penalty is reduced to £40 if paid within 28 days. If the vehicle remains unlicensed, determined offenders could face a minimum fine of £1000.

4. For clamped vehicles the release penalties are high, £80. In addition, a valid vehicle licence must also be produced. If a licence cannot be produced, a surety (£120 for a car or motorcycle, up to £600 for other vehicles) must be paid before the vehicle can be released. The surety payment is forfeited if a valid tax disc in not produced within 2 weeks.

For press enquiries re this notice please contact:

Ruth Thomas or Karen Jason
020 7025 6500
ruth.thomas@redconsultancy.com

For general DVLA press enquiries please contact:
DVLA Press Office
01792 782318
www.dvla.gov.uk

For Thames Valley Police press enquiries please contact:
Sian Hickman
Sian.hickman@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk