Tax-Dodging Motorists Targeted In Shrewsbury

Police in Shrewsbury today warned that untaxed vehicles, including mini-mopeds and scooters being used illegally on the roads, faced being seized as part of an ongoing campaign.One of the untaxed cars stopped in Shrewsbury.

Police Constable Tanya Grey, who worked with the DVLA in the Harlescott area on Thursday 24 August 2012, said hefty on-the-spot fines can also be issued to anyone caught driving a motor vehicle on public roads without the proper registration, tax and insurance.

Local Policing officers have vowed to take a hard line with anyone using untaxed vehicles on the public highways, in particular scooters and mini mopeds, which have been causing a particular nuisance to residents in Harlescott.

Two drivers on Thursday were fined £260 for having no tax on their cars, or faced having them seized by the DVLA. They were given 14 days to produce a valid tax disc if they wanted to be refunded £160 of this.

PC Grey said further, large scale operations were planned for the future and warned that there was nowhere to hide for offenders.

"One of the cars we stopped only cost £20 for the year to tax and by failing to do so, the driver ended up £260 out of pocket," she said.

"He had to pay the fine there and then, with the DVLA taking his vehicle off the road until the funds were cleared and he has a fortnight to take a valid tax disc to their offices should he want to get some of that money back.

"The DVLA also has a direct phone number for people to report those who are driving without tax.

"Mini mopeds and scooters must be registered, taxed and insured and with a valid MOT if applicable to ride them on a public road and the vast majority of those being used are not.

"If anyone suspects someone is using a motor vehicle without the proper tax or documentation, call the DVLA on 0845 337 0077."

Issued: Friday, 24 August 2012