Now that nearly all MOT records, insurance and Licence details are now on cross searchable databases, if you own a vehicle that is off road and there is a gap between the end of the insurance and the declaration of SORN there is a risk that if the Road Safety Bill goes through in its current state you may be charged with the offence of "being the keeper of a vehicle, the use of which is not insured."
Like I said, watch that paperwork.
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/cm060308/debtext/60308-07.htm
It is also important for us to be able to deal with drivers who are not insured, have not paid their tax or are disqualified. Until now a high level of proof has been required for conviction, and the clauses will make a substantial difference in that regard.
8 Mar 2006 : Column 833
I have mentioned uninsured driving. Continuous registration has helped. The additional powers to which I referred earlier have helped in tracking people down and dealing with them where they have broken the law. Equally,
electronic registration in the renewal of tax discs, which we introduced just last year, is helping to catch people who try to skip a month on their insurance, for example. However, the Bill also introduces a new offence
of being the keeper of a vehicle, the use of which is not insured. Unless people have registered a statutory declaration and the thing is off the road, there will be an offence of keeping the car where it is not insured.
Like I said, watch that paperwork.
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/cm060308/debtext/60308-07.htm
It is also important for us to be able to deal with drivers who are not insured, have not paid their tax or are disqualified. Until now a high level of proof has been required for conviction, and the clauses will make a substantial difference in that regard.
8 Mar 2006 : Column 833
I have mentioned uninsured driving. Continuous registration has helped. The additional powers to which I referred earlier have helped in tracking people down and dealing with them where they have broken the law. Equally,
electronic registration in the renewal of tax discs, which we introduced just last year, is helping to catch people who try to skip a month on their insurance, for example. However, the Bill also introduces a new offence
of being the keeper of a vehicle, the use of which is not insured. Unless people have registered a statutory declaration and the thing is off the road, there will be an offence of keeping the car where it is not insured.
