Press release 18: DVLA joins forces with South Wales Police in crime crackdown

The South Wales area is significantly safer today following the conclusion of a 14 day joint operation between DVLA and South Wales Police to crack down on car crime. During the operation, 400 untaxed vehicles were clamped and 49 arrests were made, including 11 for driving whilst disqualified, 7 for vehicle theft, and 15 for other theft offences. The operation was part of an ongoing initiative by DVLA and South Wales Police 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 South Wales 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 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. “During the 14 days of this operation, we have worked with South Wales 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, Sergeant Nigel Whitehouse of South Wales 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 during the operation were unroadworthy and potentially dangerous, putting both their drivers and the public at risk.”

Sergeant Nigel Whitehouse 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 and commit offences. These vehicles are often unroadworthy, untaxed and the drivers have no license or insurance. Tackling these vehicles means we can tackle the offenders as well.”

“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.”

Notes to editors:

•  the results of the 2005 Roadside Survey revealed that there are an estimated 1.55m unlicensed vehicles in Great Britain. Between 2002 and 2005, licensed stock has risen from just over 30m to just under 33m while estimated unlicensed stock has decreased by 19 per cent.
• members of the public can report unlicensed vehicles to DVLA online at http://www.dvla.gov.uk/onlineservices/report_unlicensed.aspx
• 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.
• 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 two 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
press.dvla@gtnet.gov.uk

South Wales Police contact:
Lian Mo
01656 869291
lian.mo@south-wales.pnn.police.uk