Deputy police commissioner fined over untaxed car

Staffordshire's deputy police, fire and crime commissioner has been fined after driving an untaxed car for three months.

Dave Evans also drove his Jaguar without a valid MOT for 19 days, but said he only became aware of both issues after he was contacted by a journalist in February.

He has since received and paid a non-endorsable fixed penalty fine after the matter was referred to Staffordshire Police by the commissioner's office.

A report by the county's police, fire and crime panel found Evans had transgressed "unknowingly". Evans said he intended to step down as chair of the Staffordshire Safer Roads Partnership to avoid "unnecessary distractions" from its work.

According to the report, written by the chief executive of the commissioner's office Louise Clayton, Evans bought the Jaguar as his own personal vehicle in March 2025.

At the time it had a valid MOT, and Evans arranged to pay the vehicle tax by direct debit but the payments were stopped in November after he switched bank accounts.

He said he had tried to make a payment through the DVLA website, but the transaction could not be progressed as the system indicated the car was already taxed.

He also wrongly assumed that the car's MOT was for a full 12 months from the date of purchase, when it actually expired on 29 January 2026.

Evans booked an MOT and arranged for the tax to be paid following the media inquiry on 16 February.

Evans also lodged a complaint with the DVLA over the issue with the website in November.

The organisation responded to say the vehicle would still appear as taxed because Evans had the option of paying the outstanding balance.

"It is evident that Dave Evans had unknowingly been driving a vehicle without road tax and a valid MOT for 19 days," the report into the matter said.

"The DVLA confirmed the vehicle would have shown as taxed on their website and DVLA checker when Mr Evans checked on its tax status in November 2025.

"Mr Evans mistakenly believed the vehicle's MOT was valid for 12 months from the date of purchase, until March 2026.

"Mr Evans took immediate steps to rectify the situation regarding MOT and road tax as soon as he was made aware of the issue."

According to the report, Staffordshire Police assessed the information by applying the same considerations that would be used for any member of the public.

The force also considered the public interest test, requiring public officials to be held to a higher standard of accountability.

"Staffordshire Police assessed the information available and confirmed that they undertook a proportionate review in line with standard practice," the report stated

"The assessment focused on the circumstances presented, the applicable legal framework, and the evidential position.

"This was completed using the same impartial approach they apply to all cases brought to their attention."

The report concluded by saying Evans had paid the fine and "the matter is settled".

Mr Evans declined to comment ahead of the panel meeting.

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