Car clampers back in action
UNTAXED cars in Burton could once again be clamped after enforcement was eased through the pandemic, it has been revealed.
Since March, there has been an easing of clamping cars that have no tax or have not been declared as off the road.
Since September, drivers had been getting fines instead.
However, it has now emerged clamping has resumed across Burton and cars could be towed if they do not meet requirements to be on the road.
By law, all vehicles must be taxed or declared SORN – meaning they have a “statutory off road notice”.
The DVLA is responsible for ensuring cars are taxed and dayto-day enforcement is carried out by its national clamping partner NSL.
A source told the Burton Mail clamping had been suspended during lockdown, but started again from Monday, November 16.
They said: “I understand this needs to be enforced, but with lots of the country still on furlough, if they have maybe forgotten or can’t afford their tax they will have their car clamped.
“And if they cannot afford the £260 release fee, then they could lose their car all together.”
The source is also concerned for the safety of wardens, who are left vulnerable when lying on the ground to fit the clamps at a time when emotions are already running high.
Also, with wardens clamping up to 20 cars a day, they could unwittingly spread the virus when the country is in lockdown, they claimed.
A spokesman for NSL said: “Our enforcement teams are fully aware of the need to operate safely following all current government guidelines, including when dealing with members of public.
“Our Covid-secure practices include enhanced hygiene measures, regular cleaning/sanitation of bases and vehicles, and use of hand sanitisers.”
A DVLA spokesman said: “We understand these are unprecedented times but by law all vehicles must be taxed or declared off road.
“We make it as easy as possible for customers to do this. We send reminders weeks before the vehicle tax is due.
“Customers can tax online or through our automated phones line – services that are open 24 hours a day. “Customers also have the option to spread the cost with direct debit.
“Throughout the Covid pandemic, we have taken a considered approach to enforcement and will continue to do so.
The DVLA does not have to spot a vehicle on the road to take enforcement action, but if wardens do, clamping is seen as an effective way to make sure an untaxed vehicle is not driven on the road again.
Anyone wanting to tax their vehicle can visit www.gov.uk/ vehicle-tax or through the automated tax line on 0300 1234321.
We understand these are unprecedented times but by law all vehicles must be taxed or declared off road.
DVLA