0:00:02 > 0:00:04'Never before, have so many on-the-spot fines
0:00:04 > 0:00:06'been issued in Britain.
0:00:06 > 0:00:08'We're going to be following the men and women who hand out
0:00:08 > 0:00:11'over £30 million-worth of tickets
0:00:11 > 0:00:12'every month.'
0:00:12 > 0:00:15- Oops.- Round here, they are an absolute blight.
0:00:15 > 0:00:17- I'm up to 104, now.- Wow.
0:00:17 > 0:00:21- That is disgusting. - Just walk away!
0:00:21 > 0:00:23'For behaviour that's downright dangerous...'
0:00:23 > 0:00:26That was stupid for these sort of conditions, wasn't it?
0:00:26 > 0:00:29- 'Simply selfish...'- Look at the mess you've created in this street.
0:00:29 > 0:00:31- How is that our fault?- 'Or just...'
0:00:31 > 0:00:34What is he doing? 'Well, plain silly.'
0:00:35 > 0:00:36What a doughnut.
0:00:36 > 0:00:39'We'll be revealing the cost of their bad behaviour.'
0:00:39 > 0:00:41£100 fine.
0:00:41 > 0:00:43Pays £260.
0:00:43 > 0:00:47- Ouch. 'And how this could affect YOU.'- Might give him a punch.
0:00:47 > 0:00:49You want to see me kick off?
0:00:49 > 0:00:52'The police are on it...' What the?!
0:00:52 > 0:00:54'The parking wardens are on it.'
0:00:54 > 0:00:56- They should be thanking us for being here.- 'And I'M on it.'
0:00:56 > 0:00:59Careful, there's a 30mph limit, here!
0:00:59 > 0:01:01I'm Dom Littlewood
0:01:01 > 0:01:03and I'm...On The Spot.
0:01:03 > 0:01:06This time, there's a spot of motorway madness.
0:01:06 > 0:01:08So you've left your wife and child
0:01:08 > 0:01:10on the hard shoulder of the motorway?
0:01:10 > 0:01:13I'm on the spot with the fag-butt police.
0:01:13 > 0:01:16I witnessed you both littering a cigarette on the floor.
0:01:16 > 0:01:19When it comes to dishing out on-the-spot fines,
0:01:19 > 0:01:21busy traffic cops are there on the front line.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26In Wiltshire, it's Friday night rush hour and traffic cop
0:01:26 > 0:01:28Warren Knight is on the lookout
0:01:28 > 0:01:30for misbehaving cars, trucks,
0:01:30 > 0:01:33motorbikes...and pedestrians?!
0:01:33 > 0:01:36The report was of pedestrians initially on the motorway,
0:01:36 > 0:01:39so we'll go and have a look and see what they are
0:01:39 > 0:01:41and what we need to do with them.
0:01:41 > 0:01:43Pedestrians create a distraction
0:01:43 > 0:01:45and people will, as they did,
0:01:45 > 0:01:47call in to say there are pedestrians.
0:01:47 > 0:01:49Sometimes, they will look at the pedestrians
0:01:49 > 0:01:51and not look at what's going on in front.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54We get quite a high fatality rate on the hard shoulder because
0:01:54 > 0:01:57if you fall asleep, even momentarily,
0:01:57 > 0:02:00if you're in this lane, this single first lane,
0:02:00 > 0:02:02you'll always go off to the left,
0:02:02 > 0:02:04naturally, you'll go off to the left.
0:02:04 > 0:02:05You generally don't go off to the right.
0:02:05 > 0:02:09So you put yourself in danger and you put other road users in danger.
0:02:09 > 0:02:11Now, I seem to remember
0:02:11 > 0:02:12from doing the Highway Code
0:02:12 > 0:02:15and the big signs before you enter the motorway
0:02:15 > 0:02:19that pedestrians are banned, so with that in mind, is this a fine?
0:02:19 > 0:02:21Well, as long as it's not an accident, first.
0:02:21 > 0:02:25You can get a £50 fine for being on the motorway.
0:02:25 > 0:02:27So, we'll go and have a look.
0:02:27 > 0:02:28And there's the pedestrian,
0:02:28 > 0:02:31taking a leisurely stroll on the hard shoulder.
0:02:31 > 0:02:33Right, let's see what he's got to say.
0:02:33 > 0:02:37He'll probably need a good excuse if he's going to avoid a fine.
0:02:40 > 0:02:42Hello, there. Have you broken down?
0:02:42 > 0:02:46No, what happened is, his father is in my car and we were at the
0:02:46 > 0:02:49- services. He accidentally had his car key in his pocket.- Right.
0:02:49 > 0:02:54And if I had to go farther, it was like 25 miles and then it was
0:02:54 > 0:02:58another exit, so we decided we'll walk halfway and then go back.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02OK, Warren, was that a fine-avoiding excuse?
0:03:02 > 0:03:05It's an offence to walk on the motorway, do you know that?
0:03:05 > 0:03:07Hm, didn't think so.
0:03:08 > 0:03:10You're not allowed to be a pedestrian on the motorway.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13What you should have done is called the emergency services,
0:03:13 > 0:03:15got them to pick up your colleague.
0:03:15 > 0:03:16Oh, sorry.
0:03:16 > 0:03:20I can definitely call them, the emergency services...
0:03:20 > 0:03:23- I AM the emergency services, I'm the police.- Oh, dear.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26Yeah, what you've got is a member of the public, he's with
0:03:26 > 0:03:28another colleague...
0:03:28 > 0:03:30He's forgotten to pick that person up, he's got a set of keys...
0:03:30 > 0:03:32So where have you left your car?
0:03:32 > 0:03:35It's further down with my wife and the baby there.
0:03:35 > 0:03:37So you've left your wife and child
0:03:37 > 0:03:39on the hard shoulder of the motorway?
0:03:39 > 0:03:41This story is just getting worse.
0:03:41 > 0:03:42Hang on a minute,
0:03:42 > 0:03:44here comes ANOTHER pedestrian and
0:03:44 > 0:03:47I'm guessing another potential fine.
0:03:47 > 0:03:49Are there going to be any points or anything on my licence?
0:03:49 > 0:03:52No, it's not a driving offence, it's a motorway offence.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55So, no points, but definitely a fine.
0:03:55 > 0:03:57- How much is the fine? - It's about £50.
0:03:57 > 0:03:59Oh, no.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02- Right, let's get you off the motorway, that's the main thing.- OK.
0:04:02 > 0:04:06Right, you start walking back to your car.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09This could turn into a double fine,
0:04:09 > 0:04:11but that isn't Warren's number-one priority.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14Well, I'm going to get them off the motorway,
0:04:14 > 0:04:17that's the first priority, is get them off the motorway.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19OK, now for afternoon stroller number two.
0:04:21 > 0:04:23Can I ask you why you're on the motorway?
0:04:23 > 0:04:25DROWNED BY TRAFFIC NOISE
0:04:25 > 0:04:27Why didn't you just wait for him at the service area?
0:04:29 > 0:04:34Do you know you're committing an offence by walking on the motorway?
0:04:34 > 0:04:35Ah-ah-ah.
0:04:35 > 0:04:39The safest place for you is back in your vehicle on the service area,
0:04:39 > 0:04:41not on the hard shoulder.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49We'll just follow these two up to a vehicle, where it's safe,
0:04:49 > 0:04:52and get them off the motorway. Um...
0:04:53 > 0:04:56Why they thought it would be appropriate to walk along the carriageway, I don't know,
0:04:56 > 0:05:00but there is an offence under the Motorway Regulations Act that
0:05:00 > 0:05:03you're not allowed to be a pedestrian on the motorway.
0:05:03 > 0:05:06Clearly these two have endangered themselves,
0:05:06 > 0:05:08and potentially distracted other road users
0:05:08 > 0:05:09by being on the carriageway.
0:05:09 > 0:05:11The motorway is a dangerous place.
0:05:11 > 0:05:13People will look and get distracted by these two.
0:05:13 > 0:05:17Why he didn't just want to drive the circuit round...
0:05:17 > 0:05:19It's about six miles,
0:05:19 > 0:05:23a loop. I don't know. This is not an emergency.
0:05:23 > 0:05:26He's left his family, his wife and child, in that car,
0:05:26 > 0:05:29it's an unattended vehicle now on the motorway.
0:05:29 > 0:05:31So he's put them at risk as well.
0:05:31 > 0:05:33I can't even see his car.
0:05:33 > 0:05:34His car seems miles away,
0:05:34 > 0:05:37I can't believe they didn't just drive around.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40I can't really fathom what they were thinking, to be fair.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43It's not as if he's walked a short way.
0:05:43 > 0:05:45If he'd walked a short way, you could probably just,
0:05:45 > 0:05:47you know... Deal with them here.
0:05:48 > 0:05:52So is this going to be a double whammy of fines? What do you reckon?
0:05:52 > 0:05:54Is it a fine?
0:05:54 > 0:05:56- Where's your car? - Down there...
0:05:56 > 0:05:59- You can see... - TRAFFIC DROWNS SPEECH
0:05:59 > 0:06:03Right. I'm going to caution you both, you don't have to say anything, but it may harm your
0:06:03 > 0:06:06defence if you do not mention when questioned, something upon which you rely on in court.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09Anything you do say, may be given in evidence,
0:06:09 > 0:06:10do you understand the caution?
0:06:10 > 0:06:14OK, you have committed an offence under the motorway regulations.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17OK? You're not allowed to be pedestrians on the motorway.
0:06:17 > 0:06:19It's dangerous, it's distracting,
0:06:19 > 0:06:22you've left your family vulnerable on the hard shoulder.
0:06:22 > 0:06:25It's more about your safety.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27You've walked about 5km.
0:06:28 > 0:06:30So it's good for your health, but not on the motorway!
0:06:30 > 0:06:34Let's take another look at that strange situation.
0:06:34 > 0:06:35Not one, but two pedestrians
0:06:35 > 0:06:37walking down the hard shoulder of
0:06:37 > 0:06:39a busy motorway.
0:06:39 > 0:06:40So, what's it going to be, Warren?
0:06:40 > 0:06:43The way I propose to deal with it is give you both a ticket.
0:06:43 > 0:06:48Yep, Warren wasn't going to let that bit of craziness go, was he?
0:06:48 > 0:06:52It's not one, but two £50 on-the-spot fines.
0:06:52 > 0:06:54This isn't an emergency.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57This is a bit of forgetfulness on your part and to be fair,
0:06:57 > 0:06:59if I'm quite honest, a bit of laziness.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02That was an expensive stroll, wasn't it, guys?
0:07:02 > 0:07:05One in the front, one in the back.
0:07:05 > 0:07:08You go in the front seat, you go in the back.
0:07:10 > 0:07:14Sometimes, the safest place is in the back of a police car, after all.
0:07:17 > 0:07:20Now, there's not many things in life I hate, but let me tell you,
0:07:20 > 0:07:24littering is one of them and we've all seen it before.
0:07:24 > 0:07:26A crisp packet thrown out of a car window,
0:07:26 > 0:07:29a fag butt tossed to the floor.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32It might not seem like much, but when you add it up,
0:07:32 > 0:07:37it costs us taxpayers £500 million a year.
0:07:37 > 0:07:41So if you don't pick up, you may be paying out.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44I'm going to be busy on the beat in Cardiff city centre.
0:07:44 > 0:07:48Of all the local councils in Wales, Cardiff is at the top of
0:07:48 > 0:07:50the rubbish pile.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53Cleaning the streets here costs the council taxpayers like you and I
0:07:53 > 0:07:58£5 million a year and it's waste enforcement officer
0:07:58 > 0:08:01Stephanie Marnell Jones' job to stamp out the litter louts.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03What a nice day to be patrolling the streets -
0:08:03 > 0:08:06pouring down with rain, you've got a hood, I haven't!
0:08:06 > 0:08:10'But the rain's not going to dampen Dom On The Spot.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13'Steph's on a one-woman mission and her biggest weapon in the
0:08:13 > 0:08:17'battle on garbage is an £80 on-the-spot fine.'
0:08:17 > 0:08:21- People take it well or do they object a lot?- Not really.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24Not nice to receive a fixed penalty,
0:08:24 > 0:08:27but if you've done something wrong, you can't really argue with it.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30People know that littering is an offence, but
0:08:30 > 0:08:35a lot of people don't realise their cigarette is classed as littering.
0:08:35 > 0:08:37"It's only a fag."
0:08:37 > 0:08:42But if four million people smoke and they all throw their cigarettes
0:08:42 > 0:08:45on the floor, it doesn't just become only a fag then, does it?
0:08:47 > 0:08:51The council are waging a war on smokers because smoking is
0:08:51 > 0:08:53one of the biggest causes of litter.
0:08:53 > 0:08:56Even though many smokers don't even know they're breaking the law.
0:08:56 > 0:09:00So, if you followed someone down the high street smoking, would you
0:09:00 > 0:09:03say there's a very good chance they're going to throw that on the floor?
0:09:03 > 0:09:06- Yeah.- Why is that? Why is that message not getting through?
0:09:06 > 0:09:10I think it's because people think they can get away with it.
0:09:12 > 0:09:16I've just counted what I can see, 13 cigarette butts.
0:09:16 > 0:09:18- And that's without looking too hard, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:09:18 > 0:09:21That's just there to there in a couple of feet.
0:09:21 > 0:09:26You can imagine how many there are just with 13 in a couple of feet.
0:09:26 > 0:09:28- I can see one there. - They're everywhere.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31- Yeah, they're everywhere. - You can't avoid them, can you?
0:09:31 > 0:09:36Dropping a fag in Cardiff can result in an £80 on-the-spot fine.
0:09:36 > 0:09:38Steph knows a hot spot for our butt patrol.
0:09:38 > 0:09:40A shopping arcade.
0:09:40 > 0:09:44Could this non-smoking zone be penalty central?
0:09:44 > 0:09:47This lady here in the black coat, she's going to flick her fag, but
0:09:47 > 0:09:52there's a no-smoking sign. She's smoking right under the bin sign.
0:09:52 > 0:09:54There we are. In I go.
0:09:54 > 0:09:56And she's off the block.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04Excuse me. Hi, could I just speak to you a second?
0:10:04 > 0:10:06The reason I wanted to speak to you is,
0:10:06 > 0:10:09I saw you smoking outside there, where you're not allowed to smoke
0:10:09 > 0:10:13and then you littered by throwing the cigarette onto the floor.
0:10:13 > 0:10:16So, in the race to the shops, this offender failed to observe
0:10:16 > 0:10:19the sign and dropped her butt on the floor.
0:10:19 > 0:10:23Will this smoker get a fine or be let off with a warning?
0:10:23 > 0:10:25Comes with a fixed penalty of £80.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28That's what I'm going to issue to you now, all right?
0:10:28 > 0:10:32And she romps home with an £80 fine for a soggy ciggy.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37Do you feel, cos I didn't speak to her, with her attitude,
0:10:37 > 0:10:40that that will make a change her ways?
0:10:40 > 0:10:44I don't know, she seemed like a nice girl, but she didn't say,
0:10:44 > 0:10:46"I wouldn't do it again," or anything like that.
0:10:46 > 0:10:48And another culprit.
0:10:48 > 0:10:49Hi, can I speak to you a sec?
0:10:49 > 0:10:53Has anyone seen that sign or the designated bins?
0:10:53 > 0:10:57Another copycat crime and another £80 fine.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59It's a butt bonanza because here's yet another one.
0:10:59 > 0:11:04- Hi, can I speak to you a second? - There it is. That's the evidence.
0:11:04 > 0:11:05Will she charge her?
0:11:05 > 0:11:08I'm a waste enforcement officer for Cardiff Council.
0:11:08 > 0:11:10And I've just witnessed you littering by throwing
0:11:10 > 0:11:11your cigarette on the floor.
0:11:11 > 0:11:13I think what's a bit daft about this is - there's
0:11:13 > 0:11:16a dustbin there with a cigarette ashtray on top.
0:11:16 > 0:11:18It's probably 15 metres or so.
0:11:18 > 0:11:20So for the sake of walking 15 metres,
0:11:20 > 0:11:23she possibly could be facing an £80 fine now.
0:11:23 > 0:11:25She's got her notebook out.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29Steph definitely means business.
0:11:29 > 0:11:33- I'm going to issue with a fixed penalty for the offence of littering.- OK.
0:11:33 > 0:11:37- Did you know it was an offence to throw a cigarette?- No, I didn't.- OK.
0:11:37 > 0:11:40Well, it's hard to miss the notices and the bins.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43But for that blatant puff and drop, littering the pavement,
0:11:43 > 0:11:47no ifs, no buts, she gets £80 taken off her
0:11:47 > 0:11:51as a fixed penalty notice, leaving this young lady very upset.
0:11:51 > 0:11:55- You obviously just received a penalty there.- Yes.- £80.
0:11:55 > 0:12:00- You obviously know why, as well. - Yes.- Did it come as a bit of a shock to you?
0:12:00 > 0:12:02- Yes.- Tell me why.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05- I didn't know.- You didn't know it cost £80?
0:12:05 > 0:12:08- Now you realise it's an offence. - Yeah, I'll obviously throw it in the bin now.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11- Is this the last time you'll ever throw it on the floor?- Yes.
0:12:12 > 0:12:17It came as quite a shock to her, but after that shock sort of passed,
0:12:17 > 0:12:18as she says, it's obvious now,
0:12:18 > 0:12:21- it is littering, I just never really thought about it.- Yes.
0:12:21 > 0:12:23I don't think she'll do it again.
0:12:23 > 0:12:25I can tell you, if there was more Stephs here right now,
0:12:25 > 0:12:26there'd be a lot more penalties.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29Everyone just seems to be throwing them on the floor without
0:12:29 > 0:12:30even thinking about it.
0:12:30 > 0:12:34'People need educating. Butts don't biodegrade quickly.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37'They take 12 years to breakdown.'
0:12:37 > 0:12:41- Steph, you're going to need a bigger pad and pencil, aren't you?- I know!
0:12:41 > 0:12:43Steph's pushing on - to the high street.
0:12:43 > 0:12:47A couple out shopping? Surely not.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50I witnessed you both littering - a cigarette on the floor.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53- You discarded them on the floor and you walked away from them.- We did, you're right.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55Let's see that again.
0:12:57 > 0:12:59The smoker takes a final drag.
0:13:01 > 0:13:05The cigarette hits the floor, she stubs it out with her foot.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08Steph also spotted him doing it, too.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11Together, it could be a massive £160 fine.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14It's £80, it has to be paid within seven days.
0:13:14 > 0:13:16If you can't afford to do it within seven days,
0:13:16 > 0:13:18give us a call and we can offer you a payment plan.
0:13:18 > 0:13:23Steph's decided to be lenient - jammy smokers.
0:13:23 > 0:13:24That's a lot of money, isn't it?
0:13:24 > 0:13:27Well, at the end of the day, she's right in what she's saying,
0:13:27 > 0:13:30there are ashtrays marked everywhere.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33You know, we're what, ten feet in any direction from a litter bin,
0:13:33 > 0:13:36from an ashtray and we put them out on the floor.
0:13:36 > 0:13:40'This couple don't realise how lucky they've been, though.'
0:13:40 > 0:13:43Yeah, it's £80 per person, so I think she's, yeah,
0:13:43 > 0:13:44it could have been a lot worse.
0:13:44 > 0:13:46It's going to make us think twice now.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49And we do hate litter. We really do hate littering.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52With a cigarette butt, you just don't think of it as being a big issue.
0:13:52 > 0:13:56I wouldn't dream of dropping a cup or a crisp packet.
0:13:56 > 0:13:57It just wouldn't enter my head.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00- I'd shove it in my handbag if I couldn't see anything.- Yeah.
0:14:00 > 0:14:02I think you've hit the nail on the head there, Liz.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04I think that's what most people do.
0:14:04 > 0:14:06They don't consider cigarette butts as littering.
0:14:06 > 0:14:08Now we've had a fine, it's going to make us think in the future.
0:14:08 > 0:14:11- Absolutely.- An expensive day! - Yeah.
0:14:11 > 0:14:12- Nice talking to you.- And you.
0:14:12 > 0:14:16Sorry you got penalised, but, you know, hopefully... Give up!
0:14:16 > 0:14:18We do, frequently!
0:14:18 > 0:14:22- I know the feeling. Cheerio. Bye-bye.- Goodbye.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25A bit of compassion I offered.
0:14:25 > 0:14:29I gave them one fixed penalty which was £80. Two would have been £160.
0:14:29 > 0:14:31It would have been very painful, wouldn't it?
0:14:31 > 0:14:33It would have been very painful, yeah.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36But they were together, it was in the same spot and, you know,
0:14:36 > 0:14:38so I gave them the one fixed penalty.
0:14:38 > 0:14:41She was very relieved when she realised it could have been two. Yeah.
0:14:41 > 0:14:43'A hard day's work.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48'And a result for Cardiff Council.'
0:14:48 > 0:14:50- Today, six people received a penalty.- Yeah.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53That's nearly 500 quid into the council's coffers to pay for
0:14:53 > 0:14:55- the cleaning, etc, etc.- Yeah.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58And no doubt those six people who got those penalties will be
0:14:58 > 0:15:02telling all their mates, all their work colleagues and saying, "Watch out."
0:15:02 > 0:15:04- Yeah.- "That just cost me 80 quid." - Yeah.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07- Can I get you a tea and a brownie? - Yeah, great.
0:15:15 > 0:15:20There are over 37 million vehicles in the UK and the law says
0:15:20 > 0:15:22they all need to be taxed.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25Driving without it cheats the country's coffers out
0:15:25 > 0:15:27of £80 million a year.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29Well, they should be fined.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32And the cars should be taken off them.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37I don't see why these people should get away with not paying car tax.
0:15:37 > 0:15:39I've got to pay it.
0:15:39 > 0:15:42I think crushing, I think that's totally acceptable.
0:15:42 > 0:15:45It teaches people a lesson, doesn't it?
0:15:45 > 0:15:48For those owners of untaxed vehicles, there are consequences.
0:15:53 > 0:15:58At the DVLA HQ in Swansea, I'm meeting chief executive
0:15:58 > 0:16:00Oliver Morley...
0:16:00 > 0:16:02You certainly run a very tight ship here.
0:16:02 > 0:16:04I mean, I can see everybody's busy.
0:16:04 > 0:16:08..whose job it is to ensure the £6 billion in revenue from
0:16:08 > 0:16:13car taxes is properly collected and the tax evaders are dealt with.
0:16:14 > 0:16:18Why are there so many people who still have untaxed vehicles on the road?
0:16:18 > 0:16:20Cos it's very hard to get away with, isn't it?
0:16:20 > 0:16:21Well, I think for the most part,
0:16:21 > 0:16:23it's very clear that people, you know, might forget.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25We do provide as many reminders as we can.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28We send the standard vehicle reminder to everyone
0:16:28 > 0:16:29who has a vehicle,
0:16:29 > 0:16:31who's updated their address.
0:16:31 > 0:16:33In the end, there are, however,
0:16:33 > 0:16:36some hardened evaders who we really do want to deal with.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39If they then don't pay, what happens?
0:16:39 > 0:16:41We, as you know, have a wheel clamping arrangement.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44It's one of the very rare legal arrangements in which we can wheel clamp.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47If you don't pay your tax, you will get clamped.
0:16:49 > 0:16:53In Middlesex, John Kelly works on behalf of the DVLA
0:16:53 > 0:16:57to ensure untaxed vehicles are off the streets, by clamping and
0:16:57 > 0:16:59fining the owners.
0:17:00 > 0:17:04And he's got a special piece of tech to help identify them.
0:17:04 > 0:17:05CAR: Attention!
0:17:05 > 0:17:08Automatic number plate recognition cameras.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13So the cameras are a great tool.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16Cos, obviously, you can't just drive around guessing at what
0:17:16 > 0:17:19you think is taxed and what isn't taxed.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22You do need to have an up-to-date database.
0:17:23 > 0:17:24It's not just us.
0:17:24 > 0:17:30We're driving around with the ANPR cameras, the police are driving around with their ANPR cameras.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32So the chances are, yeah, you might get away with it for a few months.
0:17:34 > 0:17:38But eventually, somebody is going to come across your car.
0:17:38 > 0:17:44And when they do, it can mean a hefty fine of up to £260.
0:17:46 > 0:17:51It's not long before the cameras pick up a potential car tax evader.
0:17:51 > 0:17:53But will John be issuing them with a fine?
0:17:53 > 0:17:56The registration is the correct read.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00Quite clearly, the vehicle is parked half on the road,
0:18:00 > 0:18:01half on the pavement.
0:18:01 > 0:18:04The pavement does constitute the highway.
0:18:04 > 0:18:09The DVLA database confirms the car is definitely untaxed.
0:18:09 > 0:18:11What's the damage going to be?
0:18:15 > 0:18:17We've done the necessary checks. It's come up.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20He's declared it statutory off-road.
0:18:20 > 0:18:24Having a statutory off-road notification or SORN means
0:18:24 > 0:18:28this car should not be on a public highway, let alone parked halfway on
0:18:28 > 0:18:29a pavement.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32To get the padlock off, he needs to ring
0:18:32 > 0:18:34the contact number on the information leaflet.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38Pays £260.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41We'll send somebody out. The clamp will then be removed.
0:18:41 > 0:18:45So that car shouldn't even be on the road and it's untaxed.
0:18:45 > 0:18:49Which means the owner will now have to fork out a £260 fine.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54Well, people, obviously, they're not happy.
0:18:54 > 0:18:58A lot of people just stand there going, "Mate, I'm really sorry.
0:18:58 > 0:18:59"I hadn't realised."
0:18:59 > 0:19:04I've had people actually say, "Well, can you wait five minutes, I'll ring it now and I'll make the payment."
0:19:04 > 0:19:07So, fine, I'll stand there, wait for them to make the payment,
0:19:07 > 0:19:10take it off, as long as they're going to do it straight away.
0:19:12 > 0:19:16If the owner of this car doesn't come forward, it will be taken to
0:19:16 > 0:19:20a compound where it could be put up for auction or even crushed.
0:19:22 > 0:19:27For John, tracking down untaxed vehicles is an essential job.
0:19:27 > 0:19:31If people aren't going to tax their car, then the next step, they're not going to insure their cars.
0:19:31 > 0:19:36It'd come down to the minority that are taxed and insured, MOT'd.
0:19:36 > 0:19:40You'd have all sorts of unroadworthy cars out there.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43Untold accidents, the roads would be carnage.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46CAR: Attention. CAR BLEEPS
0:19:46 > 0:19:49- Right, that gives us a hit on there. - Hello.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52The cameras have spotted a potentially untaxed Mini.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57And that's not the only one. It's a bleeping bonanza.
0:19:59 > 0:20:01We've had a couple of bleeps.
0:20:02 > 0:20:04We've got that Volkswagen over there, the Serena...
0:20:06 > 0:20:07Something's not right.
0:20:07 > 0:20:11It's rare for John to get so many bleeps on one street.
0:20:11 > 0:20:13Basically, we've come down this street.
0:20:13 > 0:20:17We've tried to drive further down and they've pinged off on three vehicles over this side.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20It's very unusual you get four like that.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23Not unheard of but very unusual.
0:20:23 > 0:20:27So, John spotted four cars parked on one road all without tax.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29I can feel some fines coming on.
0:20:32 > 0:20:34Hang on, here comes the clamp.
0:20:37 > 0:20:41- About time, mate.- At least one resident is pleased to see John.
0:20:41 > 0:20:45- All of these here are his, you know? - I ain't got a clue.
0:20:45 > 0:20:49It turns out all those untaxed cars belong to one man.
0:20:49 > 0:20:51I think everyone down here pays their car tax.
0:20:51 > 0:20:56For this guy to come round, you know, dump them on our streets, it's a joke.
0:20:56 > 0:21:00Why should everyone else have to play and, you know, these people get away with it?
0:21:00 > 0:21:03It makes me very angry when people don't pay their tax.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06- Does he live here?- He lives up there in the maisonette, yeah.
0:21:06 > 0:21:10- Is he a trader or...?- They were all up for sale the other day and now he's took the stickers off them.
0:21:10 > 0:21:14- So...- All right, nice one. - All right, see you, mate.- Cheers.
0:21:14 > 0:21:16Well, there's a gentleman who is obviously sick and tired of
0:21:16 > 0:21:19seeing these vehicles parked here with no tax.
0:21:19 > 0:21:23And he's over the moon to see that something is actually happening.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26It looks like that haul of untaxed cars is going to cost
0:21:26 > 0:21:28the owner a pretty penny.
0:21:28 > 0:21:32He's potentially looking at over £1,000-worth of fines.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37All right, that's it, that's the job finished.
0:21:37 > 0:21:39And there's more bad news for him.
0:21:39 > 0:21:43With one million cars crushed every year in the UK,
0:21:43 > 0:21:46if those vehicles aren't claimed within the next 14 days,
0:21:46 > 0:21:48they could suffer the same fate.
0:21:53 > 0:21:55But it's all in a day's work for John.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05We are massive dog lovers in this country but lots of dogs
0:22:05 > 0:22:08means lots of doggy mess and while the majority of dog owners
0:22:08 > 0:22:11are responsible enough to bag it and bin it,
0:22:11 > 0:22:14there are some who aren't quite getting the message.
0:22:14 > 0:22:15Here you go.
0:22:16 > 0:22:18Ooh!
0:22:18 > 0:22:20In Pendle, the council are on
0:22:20 > 0:22:23a mission to banish dog mess once and for all,
0:22:23 > 0:22:28handing out fines of up to £75 for irresponsible dog owners,
0:22:28 > 0:22:31Environmental crime officer Jon Yurek is on the front line.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36He's come to a notorious dog-doo hot spot,
0:22:36 > 0:22:39armed with a secret weapon.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42It's a popular dog-walking route.
0:22:42 > 0:22:46But the main issue we have here is the dog fouling that occurs here.
0:22:46 > 0:22:49And so we've developed this idea that we were going to spray any
0:22:49 > 0:22:52dog fouling that we found.
0:22:52 > 0:22:56And that way, it allows the residents and the dog walkers to see it.
0:22:56 > 0:22:58And because you can see it more clearly, it becomes
0:22:58 > 0:23:04a little bit more offensive, which might put some people off just
0:23:04 > 0:23:07letting their dogs foul and actually take responsibility for their dogs.
0:23:07 > 0:23:08So, here's some now.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27It's disgusting because there's the dog bins right here.
0:23:27 > 0:23:30No reason why people can't pick after their dog.
0:23:31 > 0:23:35If Jon sees a dog owner allowing their pooch to poo on
0:23:35 > 0:23:39the path, he can issue them with a £75 on-the-spot fine.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42But catching them in the act isn't easy.
0:23:42 > 0:23:46It's bad because we can't enforce it as well as we would like to
0:23:46 > 0:23:48because if we stand there, looking down,
0:23:48 > 0:23:52the road bends round to the left, so we can't actually see the
0:23:52 > 0:23:56dog walkers doing their entire route so we have to...
0:23:56 > 0:24:00It's difficult to try and walk up and down without looking suspicious.
0:24:00 > 0:24:04Jon sprays the mess so he can identify the old poo and
0:24:04 > 0:24:06keep an eye out for any new doggy deposits.
0:24:06 > 0:24:10When I come back, I can find out how long this has been here.
0:24:11 > 0:24:14And if any fresh dog mess has been put here,
0:24:14 > 0:24:16I know it's on a daily occurrence.
0:24:18 > 0:24:22I like to try and explain it, like, if you're a child,
0:24:22 > 0:24:27a child is going to step in it, and then he's going to take his shoes off, then it's under
0:24:27 > 0:24:29his fingernails and his mum's going to make him a sandwich...
0:24:29 > 0:24:32The same hand that's got the dog mess on, he's going to put his
0:24:32 > 0:24:35fingers on his sandwich, the sandwich is going to go in his mouth...
0:24:35 > 0:24:37You know, that's... I wouldn't want to do that.
0:24:38 > 0:24:42Jon's right. Dog fouling isn't just an unsightly mess.
0:24:42 > 0:24:45It can have serious consequences for your health.
0:24:45 > 0:24:48As mum Becky Willoughby knows too well.
0:24:48 > 0:24:52Her daughter, Libby, suffers from a condition called toxocariasis,
0:24:52 > 0:24:55which affects around 50 people a year.
0:24:55 > 0:24:56Most of whom are children.
0:24:56 > 0:24:57You had a good day today?
0:24:58 > 0:25:01We first found out about the toxocara when Libby failed her
0:25:01 > 0:25:05eye test at school in reception, when she was five years old.
0:25:05 > 0:25:09Libby's eyesight was permanently damaged by a tiny parasite
0:25:09 > 0:25:13that can be contracted by coming into contact with dog mess.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16So when people come into contact with faeces that have been left
0:25:16 > 0:25:19lying around, either because someone hasn't scooped up after their
0:25:19 > 0:25:22dog or if it's been a fox in your garden, and then a little
0:25:22 > 0:25:26parasite can get into your system and it burrows into the eyeball.
0:25:26 > 0:25:28And can damage it.
0:25:30 > 0:25:34But in this case, it was mum Becky who had come into contact with
0:25:34 > 0:25:37dog faeces while gardening when she was pregnant with Libby.
0:25:37 > 0:25:40It is really scary that this can happen with
0:25:40 > 0:25:43a pregnant lady who can pass it on to their unborn child.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46Cos the ones you hear about are usually the child's been in
0:25:46 > 0:25:51the playground or on the field, whereas when you're pregnant,
0:25:51 > 0:25:55you wouldn't expect that you could pass on something like that to your child.
0:25:55 > 0:25:57It's not what you want as a mother.
0:25:57 > 0:26:02I was affected in my eye, so there's a scar in the middle of it,
0:26:02 > 0:26:06so light can't be reflected properly onto the retina.
0:26:07 > 0:26:12It's in this eye and I can see partially just in this bit.
0:26:12 > 0:26:16So if I close my eye, I can see but if I want to see over there I have
0:26:16 > 0:26:18to, like, tilt my head.
0:26:19 > 0:26:23But things could have been even worse for Libby, as this nasty
0:26:23 > 0:26:26creature is capable of serious harm.
0:26:26 > 0:26:28In Libby's case, it's only a slight bit of damage,
0:26:28 > 0:26:31but in other children, they've actually gone completely blind cos
0:26:31 > 0:26:34of the damage it's done in their eyeballs.
0:26:34 > 0:26:36People like me can go blind.
0:26:37 > 0:26:41Which is bad but it can be worse because you can get scarred
0:26:41 > 0:26:44in your brain and your lungs and your liver.
0:26:44 > 0:26:46It could be really serious.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51As a mother, when you find out that your child's got their eyes damaged
0:26:51 > 0:26:55from something like that, you sort of immediately think, "How and why has it happened?
0:26:55 > 0:26:58"What could I have done to stop it happening? And what's the
0:26:58 > 0:27:01"impact going to be on her for the rest of her life?"
0:27:01 > 0:27:03With the fact that her eye is damaged and there's absolutely
0:27:03 > 0:27:06nothing at the moment that can be done to fix it.
0:27:07 > 0:27:12The experience has given Libby strong views about dog fouling.
0:27:12 > 0:27:16I do notice dog mess quite often.
0:27:16 > 0:27:20I think I subconsciously scour the streets for it.
0:27:20 > 0:27:25But it does make me quite cross that people haven't been bothered
0:27:25 > 0:27:29to pick up their dog's faeces because if you're going to have a dog,
0:27:29 > 0:27:32you have to look after it and if I could,
0:27:32 > 0:27:37I would walk round with dog bags and just, like, pick up all of it.
0:27:37 > 0:27:39Some people don't understand what it actually can do to people.
0:27:41 > 0:27:44My message to any dog walker is just scoop that poop.
0:27:44 > 0:27:46It won't take you long and it could make such
0:27:46 > 0:27:48a difference to somebody else's child.
0:27:53 > 0:27:55That's all for today.
0:27:55 > 0:27:57Join me next time, when I'll be on the front line with the
0:27:57 > 0:28:00professionals who are issuing more on-the-spot fines.