Norfolk Drivers Warned to Watch Their Tax Disks - Norman Lamb MP uncovers renewal reminder problems at DVLA

9.27.00pm GMT Fri 10th Nov 2006

Norfolk drivers are being warned to keep an eye on the expiry date of their tax disks after a number of Late License Penalties (LLPs) were issued to people who never received a renewal reminder from the DVLA.

The problem came to the attention of North Norfolk MP Norman Lamb after he heard of constituents receiving the £40 fines despite being unaware their tax discs had expired.

Commenting on LLPs issued in such circumstances, Norman Lamb said: "Most drivers wait for their reminder notice before renewing their car tax, so it is not surprising that some people have been caught out. The DVLA have a duty to make sure reminders are sent out, but vehicle owners would be well advised to keep an eye on the expiry date of their tax disc just in case."

Moss Taylor of Sheringham, who was hit by a £40 fine despite never receiving a DVLA reminder notice, said "It does seem unfair that fines should be imposed through no fault of my own."

After questioning the DVLA about their system of issuing renewal reminders via a Freedom of Information request, Norman Lamb also revealed that 115,000 vehicle records had been affected due to a "technical problem" incurred as a result of changes to Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) in the 2005 budget. In all of these cases reminders were sent out only to those whose records had been updated throughout the year via an unrelated transaction.*

Mr Lamb has raised his concerns with the Liberal Democrat transport team who are investigating this particular issue.