London Mayor Sadiq Khan has been convicted in his absence for failing to pay tax on a Nissan Micra, a vehicle he denies owning. The conviction occurred after the annual tax for the 2002 model year car expired in September of the previous year. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) prosecuted Khan after the vehicle was observed untaxed on January 24. Official government records list Khan's name and date of birth in connection with the car.
The DVLA stated that a letter sent to confirm the car owner's identity, addressed to the wrong location, went unanswered in January. This led to criminal proceedings being initiated on August 18, as no plea had been entered to the charge.
A record of conviction was sent to a restaurant associated with Gordon Ramsay, ordering Khan to settle the court costs of £340.84 within 28 days. Failure to comply could result in increased fines, the involvement of bailiffs, or a warrant for his arrest.
The DVLA has indicated it is reviewing the case and investigating the circumstances surrounding the prosecution. Defendants convicted without appearing in court can apply to have their cases reopened, typically by making a statutory declaration before a judge. Khan could argue he was unaware of the criminal proceedings due to the correspondence being sent to an incorrect address. If the case is reopened, he could petition the DVLA to withdraw the prosecution if it is proven he was wrongly accused, or enter a not guilty plea. Alternatively, the DVLA could independently request the court to reopen the case.
City Hall officials have clarified that the Nissan Micra is not owned by the mayor or Transport for London.