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Southern road tax defaulters clamped in North 26.11.09

Six cars clamped at Coshquin by NI’s Vehicle Licensing Agency

by Simon McGeady, Inishowen Independent

Drivers in Inishowen have been warned to ensure that their car tax is up to date after a recent clampdown by the Northern Ireland Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
Six vehicles were detained by officials from the DVLA on the Buncrana Road at Coshquin on the border with Bridgend last Friday, a number of them registered in Donegal. The vehicles were detained for the failure to display or produce up to date motor tax.
The PSNI assisted the DVLA in the operation, which saw cars clamped on a lay-by just yards over the border near Coshquin.
In all, six vehicles were clamped and had to pay a £260 (€288) declamp fee before being released. A £160 (€177) surety is refundable if the vehicle is relicensed within 14 days, although it is unclear how this can be determined
PSNI officers accompany DVLA officals at the border crossing between Bridgend and Coshquin.
given that the licensing authority, in this case Donegal County Council, operates in a different jurisdiction to the Northern Ireland Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency.
A spokesperson for the agency was unable to confirm if the clampdown was part of a wider cross-Border operation or an action taken by the Northern authorities alone.
Drivers now need to be careful to ensure their paperwork is in order on both sides of the Border. The Custom and Excise service in the Republic are currently in the midst of a campaign to address Vehicle Registration Tax offences on cars imported from the North.
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