From Wednesday, 1 October motorists will no longer have to display paper tax discs in their car windscreens, after the electronic system of vehicle licensing registration is rolled out.
The paper car tax disc has been used for more than 90 years, but now vehicle licensing will be logged onto an electronic database.
The government has said that switching to an electronic car tax database could save businesses up to £7 million annually.
The vehicle excise disc was introduced in 1921 – responsibility for vehicle taxation still lies with the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority).
The authority says that most people caught without a tax disc or with an out-of-date tax disc are detected using computer technology, rather than manual detection.
Motoring organisation the RAC has estimated, however, that fraud could mean the government losing nearly £170m a year if drivers fail to register their vehicles under the new system.
The DVLA has said there is no evidence to suggest, however, that scrapping paper car tax discs would lead to more fraud or car tax evasion.
Duncan Lewis Crime Solicitors
Duncan Lewis crime solicitors are able to advise at any stage of a charge for motoring offences, including speeding offences, car tax avoidance, motor insurance fraud, causing death by reckless or dangerous driving, leaving the scene of an accident or failing to report an accident.
Duncan Lewis crime solicitors are available 24/7, 365 days a year – and in London and the southeast there are six Duncan Lewis offices, so a criminal defence solicitor can be with you within 45 minutes.
For expert legal advice on criminal charges relating to motoring offences, call Duncan Lewis crime solicitors on 020 7923 4020.
For out-of-hours legal advice on criminal charges and representation during interview under caution, call the Duncan Lewis Criminal Lawyers Hotline on 07920 077057.