Agencies launch combined clampdown on non-compliant Midlands hauliers

By Categories: NewsPublished On: Wednesday 17 July 2013

Government forces in the West Midlands have been combining their efforts to crack down on suspected tax evasion and other criminal activity within the haulage industry.

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) led the operation, which also included officers from West Midlands Police, the Central Motorway Police Group and VOSA.

32 vehicles were stopped for a number of offences. One HGV was discovered to be using rebated oil illegally in its running tank, and was seized for investigation. Another was suspected of using laundered fuel.

Meanwhile, five drivers appeared not to be registered for income tax self assessment; one was suspected of fraudulently claiming benefits; while another driver had no HGV licence, insurance or operator’s licence.

12 further drivers were found to have exceeded driving hours or to have unroadworthy vehicles. Four HGVs were banned from continuing their journeys until tyres were replaced.

HMRC’s Bob Gaiger said of the operation: “This is part of the HMRC wider regional taskforce activity launched this week, concentrating on the haulage industry in the Midlands. We worked with our partners to share resources and intelligence in order to clamp down on those breaking the law, and to ensure our roads are safe.

“Evading tax is a deliberate decision by people not to pay the tax which they know is due. Our intelligence suggests that there is a significant risk of under-declaration of tax within the haulage industry across the Midlands and it will not be tolerated. It deprives the community of funds and gives dishonest traders an unfair advantage over legitimate businesses.”

The HMRC operation to tackle tax evasion among the Midlands’ hauliers, which aims to recoup £3.5 million for the public purse, is part of the coalition government’s £917 million investment in tackling tax evasion, outlined in the recent spending review.

Paul Merris, partner at the Birmingham office of chartered accountant and business advice provider Baker Tilly, said: “HMRC would not be launching this investigation unless it had good reason to believe that tax evasion was taking place. It’s likely that a number of hauliers within the region will receive a visit from HMRC so it would be sensible to for them to be prepared for this possibility.

“For peace of mind, Midlands haulage firms would do well to review their affairs to ensure that they are in order and if they have any reason to believe that their tax arrangements are not completely up to date then the matter should be addressed with high priority, perhaps seeking expert advice if necessary.”