A 40-year-old Ramsey man has been fined £200 for driving without a vehicle licence.

Giles Blackstone Day, of Port e Vullen, had a second charge against him of failing to transfer a vehicle ownership withdrawn.

Prosecutor Rachael Braidwood told the court how Day was seen driving a Volkswagen Transporter on February 19 at 9.25am at Hillberry in Onchan.

The vehicle’s UK licence was found to have expired in 2015.

Defence advocate Ian Kermode said that a change of policy at the DVLA had held up Day being able to get the vehicle taxed.

Policy change

Mr Kermode said that Day had applied in January to register the vehicle and get a tax disc but was told by the post office that it was not possible to register it without an export certificate from the DVLA.

However, Day said he was then told there had been a change of policy at the DVLA and that they no longer issue export certificates.

He then sought confirmation from the DoI but was told to contact the DVLA again and insist on an export certificate.

Mr Kermode told magistrates: ’The matter was still ongoing when he was spotted by police on February 19, ironically on his way to the test centre.’

Day was also ordered to pay £50 prosecution costs and given 14 days to pay.