27 March 2003
FIGURES FOR MOTOR TAX EVASION IN NI REVEALED
Northern Ireland has a Vehicle Excise Duty evasion rate of 10.1% with a loss of duty of £13m. This is very similar to the position reported in the last detailed survey in 1999. The Department for Transport today published a report on the rate of Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) evasion in the UK.
Brendan Magee, Chief Executive, DVLNI said:
"We had hoped to see a reduction in evasion levels and I regard the outcome as disappointing. Nevertheless it has to be seen in the context of a decrease in offences being reported by police and traffic wardens due to pressure of resources.
"What has proved successful is the use of cameras with 6,900 offences detected and special exercises jointly with PSNI, Customs and DVTA.
"In terms of road safety there is a clear link between VED evasion and driving uninsured or without a valid vehicle test certificate. In one recent exercise we found that 75% of vehicles stopped for having no road tax were also uninsured.
"We have introduced Statutory off the Road Notification (SORN) from December last year which does away with the do nothing option when a vehicles tax is due for renewal. Early evidence indicates that this is helping to improve the accuracy of the vehicle database and reduce evasion.
"We intend to expand our use of camera detections and continue with the joint special exercises. Hopefully we will see in future a reduction in tax evasion not only desired by Government, but also by the vast majority of law abiding citizens who pay their motor tax."
NOTES TO EDITORS:
Interview arrangements available between 1030 and 1100 hrs Thursday 27 March at Wilson’s Auction rooms Mallusk with Brendan Magee Chief executive DVLNI. Automatic Licence Number Plate Reading Camera mobile unit and Clamping Van will attend also.
The Survey was undertaken in June 2002. Vehicles were observed at sites across Northern Ireland.
Based on the volume of unlicensed vehicles detected, and the mileage travelled by unlicensed vehicles compared to those licensed the report indicates that 10.1% of the vehicle stock in NI is unlicensed.
Since wheelclamping was introduced on 20 January 1998, 5300 vehicles have been clamped and 1500 of these destroyed.
Last year 15,966 people were prosecuted or auctioned for failing to pay Vehicle Excise Duty. £2.1m was collected in penalties, back duty, fines etc.
For further information, please contact Philip Maguire DOE Press Office Tel 028 9054 0013.
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