DVLA's Clampdown On Foreign Drivers

In an attempt to significantly reduce the number of unlicensed and untaxed drivers entering Britain, the DVLA has announced a 'clampdown' on foreign motorists entering the country.

Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras, previously reserved for use by police only, will be set up in all ports of the UK, finally allowing the DVLA to trace unlicensed foreign drivers. Previously, it has been difficult for the DVLA to trace drivers who are not licensed in Britain but now, with the help of the new technlogy, which captures all vehicle registration numbers that go past, details will be checked against the DVLA's main database. This should catch out many drivers who are driving illegally.

It has been stressed, however, that the DVLA does not wish to be seen as targeting legitimate foreign drivers travelling in the UK. Director of Enforcememt, Dave Hancock, said: "We're not trying to target tourists...We want to make sure that, if there is a road traffic collision, we are able to trace that person and take action."

It has been particularly difficult to trace unlicensed foreign drivers in the past, and this is why the 'clampdown' is focused here. It has also been reported that there have been many instances of foreign vehicles being described as 'death traps'. The DVLA wants to keep Britain's roads safe. Therefore, removing unsafe vehicles is of paramount importance.

The DVLA has already begun its 'clampdown'. Last week, 1,200 car registrations were photographed by the new cameras, which led to the DVLA discovering that all were unlicensed and untaxed. However, the DVLA has stressed that 90% paid the fine, immediately on the roadside. This leads the DVLA to believe that the majority of foreign drivers travelling in the UK are not aware that the vehicle must be licensed in Britain if travelling here for more than six months.

The DVLA is confident that the new ANPR cameras will radically reduce the number of untraceable drivers, which will be popular with British motorists who stick to the rules.

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