Staffordshire’s deputy police, fire and crime commissioner has been fined after driving an untaxed vehicle for three months.
Dave Evans also drove the car without a valid MOT for 19 days. He said he only became aware of both issues after being contacted by a journalist in February.
The case follows an earlier report by BBC News which first highlighted the situation.
Fine issued and role change
Mr Evans has now received and paid a non endorsable fixed penalty fine after the matter was referred to Staffordshire Police by the commissioner’s office.
He has also said he intends to step down as chair of the Staffordshire Safer Roads Partnership to avoid what he described as “unnecessary distractions” from its work.
A report into the matter has been prepared for Staffordshire’s police, fire and crime panel, which is due to meet on Monday 13 April 2026.
What the report says
The report, written by the commissioner’s office chief executive Louise Clayton, sets out the timeline behind the issue.
It states that Mr Evans bought the Jaguar as a personal vehicle in March 2025. At that time, it had a valid MOT and he arranged to pay vehicle tax by Direct Debit.
Payments stopped in November after he switched bank accounts, and he was contacted by the DVLA.
The report says Mr Evans attempted to make a payment through the DVLA website, but the system indicated the car was already taxed and the transaction could not be completed.
He also believed the MOT covered a full 12 months from the date of purchase. In reality, it expired on Thursday 29 January 2026.
The report states:
“It is evident that Dave Evans had unknowingly been driving a vehicle without road tax and a valid MOT for 19 days.
“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.”
It adds:
“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.”
Police assessment
According to the report, Staffordshire Police assessed the case using the same approach applied to any member of the public.
Officers also considered the public interest test, which recognises that public officials may be held to a higher level of accountability.
The report states:
“Staffordshire Police assessed the information available and confirmed that they undertook a proportionate review in line with standard practice.
“The assessment focussed 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 concludes that Mr Evans paid the fine and “the matter is settled”.
Mr Evans declined to comment ahead of the panel meeting.
What it means locally
The deputy commissioner role supports oversight of policing and fire services across Staffordshire, including Stone.
The police, fire and crime panel is expected to review the report when it meets later this month.
