DVLA Fines Fulham Captain Tom Cairney £7,692 for Unpaid Car Tax
A high-profile footballer has been hit with a substantial fine of £7,692 for failing to pay a mere £2.92 in car tax to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). According to reports, Fulham FC captain Tom Cairney admitted to forgetting to pay the Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) on his Audi, which expired on September 19, 2024.
The 34-year-old Scotland international was prosecuted through the Single Justice Procedure and received a guilty plea, resulting in a criminal conviction and the hefty fine. The DVLA detected Cairney’s untaxed vehicle on October 26, and court documents revealed that he owed less than £3 in tax for a period of just over a month when the vehicle was unlicensed.
In an interview with GB News, it was reported that Cairney said: "I just completely forgot I didn’t pay it, so I take responsibility, but the car is now fully insured." He added: "Thanks for your understanding." The incident highlights the importance of keeping track of vehicle tax payments, as failing to do so can result in severe penalties.
As reported by GB News, drivers using untaxed vehicles on public roads without a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) can face fines of up to £1,000. If a vehicle is used on a public road with a SORN in force, the penalty can be even higher, with a total fine of either £2,500 or five times the amount of tax chargeable, whichever is greater.
The DVLA takes unpaid car tax seriously, and being the registered keeper of an untaxed vehicle will result in a motorist being issued with a late licensing penalty (LLP) letter automatically. This penalty can be £80, although it can be reduced to £40 if paid within 33 days.
Failure to pay the fine can lead to the case being referred to a debt collection agency, which could also lead to the DVLA preventing the individual from using Direct Debit for future payments. Cairney has faced issues with his vehicle in recent years, including an incident at Fulham’s training ground in August 2022, where his car windscreen was smashed.
As quoted in GB News, Cairney later joked about the incident, saying it was time for him to choose a different parking space. He has played more than 500 professional games across his career with Hull City, Blackburn, and Fulham, as well as two caps with the Scottish national team.
This case serves as a reminder to all vehicle owners to ensure they keep track of their car tax payments to avoid severe penalties. As reported by GB News, the fine imposed on Cairney is a significant example of the consequences of neglecting to pay car tax.
In related news, it is essential for vehicle owners to be aware of their tax obligations to avoid similar situations. According to GB News, the DVLA continues to crack down on untaxed vehicles, and motorists must take responsibility for their vehicle tax payments.
The incident involving Tom Cairney highlights the importance of being on top of vehicle tax payments. As GB News has consistently reported, failing to pay car tax can result in substantial fines and penalties.
To avoid such situations, vehicle owners should ensure they are aware of their tax obligations and make timely payments. As reported by GB News, this will help prevent any potential issues with the law and ensure that motorists are not faced with unexpected fines.
For more information on vehicle tax and the consequences of unpaid car tax, readers can visit GB News for the latest updates and guidance.
