The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency does not appear to check addresses of car owners even when it has them on record, according to a reader from Arnos Grove, London. Graeme Thorn writes: 'Where I live, two vehicles are registered that are not mine, and the ultra-low emission zone fines, parking charges and bailiffs’ letters for motoring infractions are piling up. Surely there should be checks before a V5C logbook is issued?'
Ghost Owners and Penalties
The rise of 'ghost owners' — vehicles registered to incorrect addresses — is causing financial distress for innocent residents. Simon Allen from Wendover, Buckinghamshire, suggests that current penalties for young drivers who use cloned plates are insufficient. He argues: 'For a young person, the cost of insurance could be £1,500 a year. If they get caught, the fine is £400 and points on their licence. That will be seen as a no-brainer. They might think again if the penalty was £5,000, loss of licence and the vehicle being scrapped.'
Other Letters
Jane Ghosh from Bristol questions why the NHS stops routine bowel and breast cancer testing after the early 70s, given that increased cancer diagnoses are attributed to an ageing population. Robert Graham from Sandweiler, Luxembourg, recalls the full version of the 'wazzock' insult used by Tony Capstick: 'you great useless, spawny-eyed, parrot-faced wazzock'. Eric Sharp from Newcastle upon Tyne expresses concern over a photo that cloned extra monarch butterflies, asking: 'Are we down to the last two?'
