John Moore from the DVLA's crime reduction unit with Mayor Sir Robin Wales and a crushed Audi car

Mayor helps deliver a crushing warning to car tax evaders

Mayor of Newham Sir Robin Wales helped show residents on Monday what could happen if they leave their untaxed vehicles on the streets of the borough.

A crushed car was displayed in Meridian Square outside Stratford Station as part of a campaign by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency to target car tax evaders.

The DVLA is running a No Way Out campaign, which aims to remind motorists to keep their tax disc up to date and to warn them of the severe penalties for failing to do so.

Mayor Sir Robin Wales said: "We have always taken a tough stance against untaxed vehicles and since 2001 Newham Council, in partnership with the DVLA and Newham Police, has lifted almost 19,000 of them from our streets.

"Untaxed and abandoned cars can be magnets for anti-social behaviour such as graffiti, vandalism and fly-tipping. All such activities drag down communities and magnify the fear of crime.

"People should heed the warning. We do not tolerate untaxed vehicles in Newham and owners must realise their vehicles could end up crushed if they don't show a valid tax disc if their vehicle is kept or used on the road."

The DVLA campaign highlights the fact that an untaxed vehicle is less likely to be insured and roadworthy, and as such is a danger to other road users.

There is also evidence that occupants of persistently untaxed cars are more likely to be involved in criminal activities such as burglary or violent crime. The DVLA hopes that by clamping down on untaxed vehicles, they will also be clamping down on crime.

Transport Minister Tom Harris said: "Taking car tax evaders off the roads of Newham will help ensure that they stay safe for other law abiding motorists.

"We are committing more resources than ever to catching untaxed vehicles across the UK and when caught the penalty is severe - you could have your vehicle crushed.

"It is now easier than ever to buy your car tax, thanks to the DVLA's introduction of an online shop - but if you choose to break the law and leave your vehicle untaxed, expect to be caught."