HUNDREDS of thousands of pounds that could be spent on improving the roads in the Isle of Man is being lost due to drivers who don't pay their car tax.

The Department of Infrastructure has said around £300,000 of government income is being lost because of those not paying vehicle duty.

Richard Pearson, the director of highways in the Isle of Man, said: "Contrary to popular myth income from vehicle duty is only used for highway maintenance and improvement. 

"This loss of income comes straight off our highway maintenance budgets and means that we simply have less money to maintain the roads - many of which are in urgent need of work."

The Department of Infrastructure said it has sent reminder letters out to drivers who have not paid their tax and said it will be enforcing this matter around the Island in the coming months.

Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne MHK said: "Whilst I understand that times are hard it is unacceptable that people are choosing to break the law and this has knock on implications for the well being of our community. 

"Whilst I acknowledge that some vehicle bands are quite expensive smaller engine, lower emission vehicles are relatively cheap and I would urge people to choose a vehicle they can afford to tax and to tax it."

It is an offence for motorists who have not paid their vehicle tax to use or park their car on the road if it not taxed. UK and foreign registered vehicles also need to be registered and taxed in the Isle of Man. Anyone found with no tax could face a maximum fine of £1,000.

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