§ Mr. Wheelerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, for the most recent 12-month period, how many cases of vehicles without current excise licences have been reported by the Metropolitan police; what is the force policy for enforcement; and what further steps are proposed for improved enforcement.
§ Mr. HurdI understand that in 1983 approximately 363,000 cases of non-possession or non-display of a valid vehicle excise licence were reported by the Metropolitan police.
I understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that the Metropolitan police report cases where a vehicle does not appear to have a valid vehicle excise licence to the London enforcement office of the Department of Transport. Further action is taken by that Department, except where the motorist is charged with other road traffic offences at the same time, in which case prosecution is undertaken by the police. In 1982, there were some 40 cases in the latter category.
The Metropolitan police also co-operate with the Department of Transport in campaigns designed to detect 583W and discourage evasion. Officials are examining the scope for improving vehicle excise duty enforcement in consultation with the Association of Chief Police Officers.