To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many verified reports of untaxed motor vehicles the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has received in the last 12 months; and how many of these have been (a) acted upon by the DVLA and (b) referred to the relevant police authority. (269791)

Within the period April 2008-March 2009, the agency received 472,858 untaxed vehicle reports. This resulted in the issue of 227,719 out-of-court settlements and 150,583 court summonses. The agency does not refer verified reports to police authorities.

The agency receives untaxed vehicle reports from various sources including the police, local authorities, ANPR and wheel-clamping units. Following investigation, where appropriate, enforcement action is taken.

Reasons for non-pursuit of cases include:

lack of a confirmed keeper;

lack of a target address;

cases closed where doubt as to liability exists; and

closures on compassionate grounds.