Menu
22/01/2008
Huge Amounts Of Motorcyclists Dodge Road Tax
The DVLA's (Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency) enforcement of road tax for motorcycles risks becoming "a complete laughing stock", with almost four out of 10 bikers evading the £64-a-year charge, a committee of MP's has warned.
A report by the Public Accounts Committee found that five per cent of all road users avoided paying the Vehicle Excise Duty in 2006, up from 3.6 per cent the year before, costing the taxpayer £214 million.
Since 2004 the DVLA has issued automatic £80 fines to drivers who do not renew their tax discs. But it does not identify evaders until the end of the second month after a disc expires. If drivers skip a month’s tax and renew their disc at the beginning of the second month, they will not be sent a fine. They can repeat the evasion every six months.
Committee Chairman Edward Leigh said: "Motorists and motorcyclists who refuse to pay road tax are stealing from law-abiding taxpayers and unlicensed cars are often associated with other forms of crime. And yet the Department for Transport and the DVLA are losing ground in their fight against VED evasion.
"If the DVLA's motorcycle enforcement regime is not to be a complete laughing stock, then the Agency and the Department must make the most of new powers to enforce VED off public roads - and strongly consider more severe measures such as impounding unlicensed motorcycles.
"Large parts of the biking community are cocking a snook at the law."
MPs called on the DVLA to work with police and local councils to carry out more on-road checks, and use new powers to check bikes being driven off the public highway.
(CD)
A report by the Public Accounts Committee found that five per cent of all road users avoided paying the Vehicle Excise Duty in 2006, up from 3.6 per cent the year before, costing the taxpayer £214 million.
Since 2004 the DVLA has issued automatic £80 fines to drivers who do not renew their tax discs. But it does not identify evaders until the end of the second month after a disc expires. If drivers skip a month’s tax and renew their disc at the beginning of the second month, they will not be sent a fine. They can repeat the evasion every six months.
Committee Chairman Edward Leigh said: "Motorists and motorcyclists who refuse to pay road tax are stealing from law-abiding taxpayers and unlicensed cars are often associated with other forms of crime. And yet the Department for Transport and the DVLA are losing ground in their fight against VED evasion.
"If the DVLA's motorcycle enforcement regime is not to be a complete laughing stock, then the Agency and the Department must make the most of new powers to enforce VED off public roads - and strongly consider more severe measures such as impounding unlicensed motorcycles.
"Large parts of the biking community are cocking a snook at the law."
MPs called on the DVLA to work with police and local councils to carry out more on-road checks, and use new powers to check bikes being driven off the public highway.
(CD)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
30 November 2010
Corporation Tax Reform To Create 'Competition'
The Government has published details of its Corporate Tax Reform programme consisting of a series of essential reforms designed to improve the UK's tax competitiveness. Measures include the introduction of new Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) rules and a commitment to introduce a Patent Box.
Corporation Tax Reform To Create 'Competition'
The Government has published details of its Corporate Tax Reform programme consisting of a series of essential reforms designed to improve the UK's tax competitiveness. Measures include the introduction of new Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) rules and a commitment to introduce a Patent Box.
01 October 2014
Problems Hit New DVLA Tax System
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has admitted it is struggling to cope with an "unprecedented demand" on its services. The problems come on the first day of a new system where it is no longer necessary for drivers to display a paper tax disc on their windscreen.
Problems Hit New DVLA Tax System
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has admitted it is struggling to cope with an "unprecedented demand" on its services. The problems come on the first day of a new system where it is no longer necessary for drivers to display a paper tax disc on their windscreen.
30 May 2014
More Fall Into Debt Following HMRC Overpayments
The number of issues reported to Citizens Advice of people falling into debt as a result of repaying overpaid tax credits increased by 14 per cent in the 2013/14 tax year. Tax Credit debts arise when HMRC over-estimates a person’s entitlement to financial support and ends up having to recoup overpayments.
More Fall Into Debt Following HMRC Overpayments
The number of issues reported to Citizens Advice of people falling into debt as a result of repaying overpaid tax credits increased by 14 per cent in the 2013/14 tax year. Tax Credit debts arise when HMRC over-estimates a person’s entitlement to financial support and ends up having to recoup overpayments.
06 April 2011
Government Tackle Tax Avoidance
David Gauke, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, has today announced a change in legislation to prevent tax avoidance. The measure will prevent individuals from taking advantage of a tax loophole that would have emerged today had the Government not taken action.
Government Tackle Tax Avoidance
David Gauke, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, has today announced a change in legislation to prevent tax avoidance. The measure will prevent individuals from taking advantage of a tax loophole that would have emerged today had the Government not taken action.
18 March 2004
Chancellor’s film relief rules broadly welcomed
Chancellor Gordon Brown’s decision to offset the closing of a tax loophole widely used by filmmakers with extended tax relief has been generally well received by industry bodies.
Chancellor’s film relief rules broadly welcomed
Chancellor Gordon Brown’s decision to offset the closing of a tax loophole widely used by filmmakers with extended tax relief has been generally well received by industry bodies.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
