NPED launches Drive Legal campaign

National Persistent Evader Database leads call for action on antisocial motorists

Vehicles that do not comply with tax, insurance and safety rules are threatening the integrity of the UK roads network.

Non-compliant vehicles are often linked to criminal activity, anti-social behaviour, and substantial financial burdens on law-abiding motorists. They also lead to significant revenue losses for the Exchequer.

Organisations working in the traffic, policing and parking sectors are being encouraged to join a national campaign that aims to tackle the problem of non-compliant vehicles.

Drive Legal has been devised by the NPED Services, the organisation behind the National Persistent Evaders Database initiative. Research by NPED Services reveals that over 10 million vehicles in the UK exhibit various forms of non-compliance, including:

• lack of vehicle excise duty (road tax)
• no valid MOT certificate
• vehicles not registered with the DVLA
• absence of insurance coverage
• persistent evasion of parking offences
• use of cloned number plates
• non-compliant number plates, such as ‘ghost plates’
• overseas registration beyond the legal six-month limit.

Launching the Drive Legal campaign, NPED founder Alan Wood, said: “Our roads network is the backbone of the UK’s transportation system, and the presence of millions of non-compliant vehicles undermines its efficiency, safety, and fairness. Through collaboration, education, and reform, we can address this growing issue and create a more compliant road network that works for everyone.

“Drive Legal aims to unite organisations, parking operations, and the general public to form one unified voice advocating for change. This movement strives to redefine how the nation perceives and manages our vehicle community, ensuring fairness, compliance, and safety for all road users.

“Drive Legal invites all stakeholders to join this pivotal campaign and help drive meaningful change. Together, we can ensure that every vehicle on the road adheres to the law and contributes to a safer, more equitable driving environment for all.”

Wood has described the National Persistent Evaders Database as “Santa’s naughty list, but for cars,” because it identifies vehicles sought for non-payment of parking tickets and links them to other offences such as no MOT, insurance or vehicle excise duty.

The NPED project is supported by organisations including the British Parking Association (BPA), International Parking Community (IPC), Disabled Motoring UK and Disability Confident.