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Case Study

DVLA Tax Evasion Cameras

Tools Involved

• Enforcement cameras.

Site Description

In October 2001 the DVLA launched a network of Stingray cameras in London. The cameras were designed to catch motorists travelling without a valid road tax disc. Operated by DVLA staff, motorists caught driving without road tax (Vehicle Excise Duty) are administered a £1000 fine for cars/motorbikes and £23,000 for HGV's.

Since the London launch they have been used extensively in other areas across the UK.

Problems

In the UK it is estimated that £190m of revenue is lost per year due to motorists not paying road tax. One third of motorists that don't pay the tax are also guilty of committing other road offences - including no MOT, no insurance and defective tyres.

Scheme Description

DVLA 'Stingray' tax evasion cameras utilise Automatic Number Plate Recognition to log the registration plates of passing vehicles. Vehicle details are then checked against DVLA records and those found to be driving without valid road tax have a digital image of their vehicle stored for later prosecution. The Stingray cameras are capable of working at night with vehicles travelling over 100mph. The cameras are intended for use from the back of a DVLA van parked at the side of the road.

Scheme Objectives

The DVLA Stingray system aims to act as a deterrent to motorists driving without valid road tax. This should also encourage motorists to check expiry dates and renew their road tax promptly.

Improvements

It is anticipated that the system will:

• reduce tax evasion;
• recoup lost revenue;
• improve road safety (with one third of non-compliant motorists committing other offences); and
• improve public opinion (motorists who do not pay are prosecuted).

Benefits

Benefits are shown in the table below.

Actual benefits reported
Impact Assessment	Environment	No benefits expected or reported.
	Accessibility	No benefits expected or reported.
	Safety	No benefits expected or reported.
	Efficiency	During 2000/01, over 727,000 cases of Vehicle Excise Duty evasion were successfully prosecuted resulting in the recovery of £85m. During 2002/03, 819,000 cases of VED evasion were successfully completed resulting in the recovery of around £88m. To date, over 506,000 motorists have voluntarily re-licensed their vehicles as a result of publicity from the advertising campaign. This has brought in £68m in additional revenue.
	Integration	No benefits expected or reported.
Technical Performance		No reported problems.
User Acceptance		No information available.

DVLA Tax Evasion Cameras benefits table

(source: DVLA press releases)

No attempt has been made to validate the results reported. Users of the guidance are encouraged to assess the robustness of the results presented and the likely transferability of the case study to their own local environment.

More Information

DVLA website - http://www.dvla.gov.uk