The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Clampdown on owners of untaxed cars
Dozens of untaxed cars were clamped during a three day operation in Peterborough.
The DVLA carried out the operation in the city centre, Millfield, New England, Bretton, Paston, and Werrington between November 28 and November 30 - and clamped 60 vehicles.
In 2016 there were more than 1,000 untaxed vehicles clamped in Peterborough.
Bethan Beasley, national wheel-clamping manager at DVLA said: “We write to the keepers of all vehicles to remind them when their tax is due. That’s why it’s so important to let DVLA know if you’ve changed your address.
“We don’t need to spot a vehicle on the road to take enforcement action but if we do, wheel-clamping is an effective way to make sure that an untaxed vehicle is not driven on the road.
“It’s never been easier to tax your car, so there really is no excuse. Although the vast majority of motorists do the right thing and tax their vehicles correctly, it is right that we take action against those who break the law and don’t tax their vehicles. Having your vehicle clamped is expensive and inconvenient. Don’t take the risk – it just isn’t worth it.”
When the DVLA clamps an untaxed vehicle the motorist is charged a £100 release fee. If they cannot show that the vehicle has been taxed when it is released the motorist will have to pay a surety fee of £160. This is refunded if the motorists can show the vehicle has been taxed within 15 days.
If the release fee is not paid within 24 hours DVLA impounds the vehicle and the fee rises to £200. There is also a storage charge of £21 per day. Again, a surety fee of £160 must be paid if the motorist cannot show that the vehicle has been taxed.
Along with a high number of untaxed vehicles, last month The Peterborough Telegraph revealed Peterborough was the Cambridgeshire capital for uninsured drivers. Figures from the Motor Insurers’ Bureau showed there were more than 5,000 uninsured cars on the city roads.
Motorists can check their tax is up to date by visiting www.gov.uk/vehicle-tax