§ Dr. MurrisonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many fines have been imposed for failure to make a statutory off-road notification since the scheme's inception. [16310]
§ Mr. JamiesonSince the agency started enforcement action for failing to make a statutory off-road notification declaration in April 1999, a total of 207,397 people have settled the matter out of court and a further 1,263 have been prosecuted at court. The total revenue paid in fines and penalties amounts to £6,071,847.
§ Dr. MurrisonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the performance of the statutory off-road notification scheme in reducing vehicle excise duty evasion. [16311]
§ Mr. JamiesonStatutory off-road notification (SORN) came into force in 1998. Keepers who take their vehicles off the public road unlicensed are required to make a declaration to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency and if the vehicle remains off the road to confirm its status each year. Failure to do so is a criminal offence which carries a maximum fine on conviction of £1,000. Offenders are given the opportunity to settle out of court on payment of a penalty.
Since introduction over 2.5 million SORN declarations have been received. Automated enforcement action has been introduced and over £6 million raised in fines and penalties. The indications are that the SORN procedures are fulfilling their objectives and achieving a higher compliance with the registration and licensing requirements.