Dodgers Get Stingray-ed
Last updated: 07/09/2006 - 09:37
Drivers that fail to pay road tax may get 'stung' by a new initiative by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). Transport minister, David Jamieson, has unveiled the national introduction of the DVLA's new stingray cameras, which will for the first time detect unlicensed vehicles on the move.
Van-based camera units, manned by DVLA staff, are aimed at recovering the millions of pounds lost each year in Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) evasion. The camera vans will operate from lay-bys and over-bridges. They will read the number plates of passing vehicles, check them immediately against DVLA records, and store, electronically, the images of those found to be unlicensed.
David Jamieson said: "Road tax dodgers are now in the frame. The new DVLA camera teams can move quickly from location to location, and those who previously took the risk of driving whilst unlicensed, will soon realise that there is no place to hide. Honest motorists are fed up with seeing the hard core who continually evade paying their road tax.
"Camera technology will be brought to bear in targeting these evaders, who will quickly realise that the penalties for evasion are much greater than the cost of a vehicle excise licence."
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