§ Lord Bradshawasked Her Majesty's Government:
When they propose to bring forward measures to deal with the problems of evasion of Vehicle Excise Duty and the non-insurance of motor vehicles. [HL4747]
§ Lord Davies of Oldham1. VED Evasion: Draft regulations introducing a regime of "continuous registration" under powers taken under the Finance Act 2002 Budget were laid before Parliament on 15 October. Subject to the approval of Parliament, they come into force on 30 November 2003.
The effect of the regulations is that in the event of a vehicle keeper failing to relicence their vehicle by the due date they will be liable to an £80 fixed penalty reducing to £40 if paid within 28 days.
The fundamental change from the present position is that action may now be taken in respect of unlicensed vehicles on the face of the vehicle 175WA registration records held by the DVLA. Thus it will no longer be necessary as at present, for the vehicle to be seen on the road in order for action to be taken. Stronger penalties may result where the vehicle continues to be unlicensed.
These measures should ensure that there is a greater incentive for motorists to renew their tax discs by the due date and to inform DVLA when a vehicle changes hands. There will be a major publicity campaign to explain these measures to motorists starting in January 2004.
2. Insurance: The Government announced, on 21 August, the appointment of Professor David Greenaway to carry out an independent review of the UK motor insurance system. The review is expected to 176WA report next April and has a particular focus on changes that might help reduce levels of uninsured driving.