DVLA blames road tax revenue shortfall on cars over 10 years old
The DVLA ended the need for drivers to display a valid car tax disc last October.
The DVLA has stated that older car owners are a major reason behind the Government losing £80 million in revenue from scrapping the car tax disc – but is clueless as to why.
New official statistics released in November revealed that it has lost £80m
in revenue from unlicensed vehicles, which the DVLA says is caused by scrapping the tax disc. Around 560,000 drivers are now evading the annual payment, up from 210,000 in 2013.
Of the unlicensed vehicles in the survey, 45% of these cars were more than 10 years old. The DVLA has credited these statistics to owners of older vehicles, but doesn’t understand why.
Karen Powell, press officer for the DVLA said: ‘We don’t know why cars older than 10 years old are the main culprits for tax evasion. The stats are what they are.’
Oliver Morley, DVLA chief Executive added: ‘Almost 99% of all vehicles on the road are correctly taxed but we are taking action against those who are determined to break the law.’
Clubs have fought back accusations from the DVLA, refusing to accept that members would be evading vehicle excise duty. Tony Ridge, head of public relations for the Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club said: ‘It’s a generalisation really. There’s a big difference between the type of person with a cherished classic and someone who just has an older car.’
Lesley Phillips, president of the Stag Owners’ Club added: ‘Club members take care of their cars in general and are more than likely not evading anything. It seems like the DVLA could be doing more with their figures, it should include or exclude possible club members.’
Worrying statistics
The analysis of road users carried out this summer showed that 1.4% of vehicles were being driven without vehicle excise duty – up 0.6% from two years ago when the disc was still required. This new system caused many admin problems, including innocent motorists having their cars clamped.
Many groups were opposed to the new measures, including the RAC. Chief engineer David Bizley. He said: ‘Sadly, the concerns we raised about the number of car tax evaders going up at the time the tax disc was confined to history have become a reality.
‘These are very worrying and disappointing statistics indeed. We really cannot afford for this to increase again for the sake of both road safety and the country’s finances.’