Dozens of cars seized at custom check points
FORGET fears over Brexit, Fermanagh cross-border commuters are already facing delays as a result of a recent customs crackdown, with hundreds of cars stopped and scores seized.
Those crossing the border over the past number of weeks will have noticed an increased presence of Customs and Revenue checkpoints on the southern side, with officers dipping for illegal diesel and seeking out southern motorists driving northern cars who haven’t paid their VRT (vehicle registration tax).
In fact, on one day last week, Wednesday, approximately 80 cars were stopped on the Fermanagh/Monaghan border. Five were seized for breaches of VRT regulations. Revenue has confirmed to the Herald that since the beginning of this year, a total of 45 cars have been seized along the same stretch of border for VRT breaches.
“I can confirm that Revenue enforcement operations for VRT purposes are routinely conducted throughout the State,” said a spokesman, who added the recent local checkpoints were “targeting non-compliance with VRT and mineral oil legislation.”
The spokesman added: “Revenue’s mission is to serve the community by fairly and efficiently collecting taxes and duties and implementing customs controls. This is achieved by providing an efficient tax collection system for compliant taxpayers, combined with early and effective enforcement action in respect of those who do not comply.”
The spokesman said that Revenue’s current strategy included focusing on increase public awareness of motorists legal VRT requirements, of penalties of non-compliance, and on seizing non-compliant vehicles and potentially prosecuting their owners.
Many motorists are not happy, however, with some suggesting the officers enforcing the checks are “over zealous.”
One driver who lives in Fermanagh and works in the South claimed they were told by an officer there had been a change in the law requiring those living in the UK but commuting to the Republic for work to pay the VRT on their car. Revenue has confirmed to the Herald there has been no such change in the law.
Another driver claimed their 75-year-old father-in-law, who is on medication, was stopped and detained at the side of the road for three-and-a-half hours without being offered food or water. Despite the fact he had proof he lived in the North, and was related to the owner of the car, his son-in-law said the pensioner was not allowed to leave until he paid a fine as the car had trade plates.
It’s not just right on the border the checks are taking place, either. A Tempo man said he was stopped by Customs and Gardai on the main M3 road to Dublin near Kells recently and quizzed about the purpose of his journey and whether or not he was working in the South.
“I’m up and down to Dublin quite a bit and was going to visit someone in St James’s [hospital]. I think they were also dipping vehicles but didn’t do mine as I drive a petrol car. They asked me was I travelling for work, where I was going and that, and although I showed them my license asked me to confirm that I lived in the North.
“I’ve been driving up and down the M3 since it was built 10 or 15 years and I never before saw customs or guards on the motorway.”
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