Press release 22: Crushed car warning for Kingston commuters

Shoppers in Kingston witnessed the consequences of car tax evasion today in the form of a fully crushed car outside the market. The car was placed in the town centre as part of the new Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) campaign targeting car tax evaders.

DVLA has launched its ‘No Way Out’ campaign, which aims to remind motorists to keep their tax disc up to date and to warn them of the severe penalties for failing to do so. NCP, DVLA’s wheel clamping contractor, has been given the task of doubling the number of untaxed cars which are removed from our roads to 2,000 a week. They use a fleet of vans equipped with state-of-the-art Automatic Number Plate Recognition technology that checks number plates against a database of untaxed vehicles in seconds, so it is now more likely that motorists will be caught if their vehicle is untaxed. If evaders do not want their vehicles to be clamped, towed or even crushed, they must have a valid tax disc displayed if their vehicle is kept or used on the road.

The campaign highlights the fact that an untaxed vehicle is less likely to be insured and roadworthy, and as such is a danger to other road users. In addition, there is clear evidence that occupants of persistently untaxed cars are more likely to be involved in criminal activities such as burglary or violent crime, DVLA hopes that by clamping down on untaxed vehicles, they will also be clamping down on criminal activity.

Transport Minister Tom Harris said: "It is now easier than ever to buy your car tax, thanks to the DVLA's introduction of an online shop www.direct.gov.uk/taxdisc

But if you choose to break the law and leave your vehicle untaxed, expect to be caught. We are committing more resources than ever to catching untaxed vehicles across the UK and when caught the penalty is severe - you could have your vehicle crushed. Taking car tax evaders off the roads of Kingston will help ensure that they stay safe for other law abiding motorists."  

For more information on taxing your car go to www.direct.gov.uk/motoring

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 Notes to Editors:

1. Members of the public can report unlicensed vehicles to DVLA online at  www.direct.gov.uk/en/motoring/owningavehicle/index.htm or by calling the Enforcement Hotline on 08000 325 202.
2. 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 is not produced within 2 weeks.
3. If you do not need an MOT, or if you have a new-style computerised MOT certificate, and you have a vehicle registration certificate (V5C) in your name and current address, you can apply to tax your vehicle online at www.direct.gov.uk/taxdisc or by phoning 0870 850 4444 (textphone 0870 850 4445)
4. NCP were awarded a 3-year contract to operate DVLA’s wheelclamping scheme, effective from 1 May 2006.

        All press enquiries should be directed to:

        DVLA Press Office

        01792 782318

       www.press.dvla@gtnet.gov.uk

       www.dvla.gov.uk