The number of cars, vans and motorbikes on British roads that were not taxed has risen sharply over the last year.
The number of cars, vans and motorbikes on British roads that were not taxed has risen sharply over the last year.
The number of untaxed vehicles rose from 1.55m in 2005 to 2.19m - or one in 15, government figures showed.
The number of untaxed vehicles rose from 1.55m in 2005 to 2.19m - or one in 15, government figures showed.
Evasion is predicted to cost £217m in lost revenue in the current financial year, compared with £147m in 2005-06.
Evasion is predicted to cost £217m in lost revenue in the current financial year, compared with £147m in 2005-06.
People who own vehicles and motorbikes which are more than 10 years old are said to be more likely to avoid paying Vehicle Excise Duty than other drivers.
People who own vehicles and motorbikes which are more than 10 years old are said to be more likely to avoid paying Vehicle Excise Duty than other drivers.
The statistics are based on checks at 256 sites across the UK.
The statistics are based on checks at 256 sites across the UK.
The Department for Transport said that the number of car and light van drivers who failed to tax their cars increased from 947,000 in 2005 to 1.34m in 2006.
The Department for Transport said that the number of car and light van drivers who failed to tax their cars increased from 947,000 in 2005 to 1.34m in 2006.
Hefty fines
Hefty fines
New measures were introduced by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency in June last year to target untaxed vehicles.
New measures were introduced by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency in June last year to target untaxed vehicles.
Drivers who do not pay road tax are also said to be far more likely to have no insurance.
Drivers who do not pay road tax are also said to be far more likely to have no insurance.
A DfT spokesman said: "We are working with the police and local authorities to clamp down on untaxed and uninsured vehicles.
A DfT spokesman said: "We are working with the police and local authorities to clamp down on untaxed and uninsured vehicles.
"Since June 2006 debt collectors and clamping and removal teams have been targeting tax dodgers nationwide.
"Since June 2006 debt collectors and clamping and removal teams have been targeting tax dodgers nationwide.
"The message is clear - not paying your road tax risks hefty fines and losing your vehicle."
"The message is clear - not paying your road tax risks hefty fines and losing your vehicle."
In Northern Ireland, the number of people failing to tax their vehicles fell from 5.4% in 2005 to 5% in 2006.
In Northern Ireland, the number of people failing to tax their vehicles fell from 5.4% in 2005 to 5% in 2006.
Have you been affected by issues covered in this story? Send us your comments using the form below.
