Government branded ‘embarrassment’ by MP over bogus road tax figures

Edward Leigh MP has branded the Department for Transport an ‘embarrassment’ over bogus motorcycle tax evasion figures.

Leigh, Chairman of the Commons Public Accounts Committee, blames the DfT over false claims he made that nearly 40% of motorcycles were untaxed.

He says the claim was based on figures issued to the Committee by the DfT and has written to the Department demanding an explanation.

His letter, sent today, says the DfT figures have caused the Committee ‘considerable concern and, frankly, some embarrassment’.

• Read his letter in full here

Leigh yesterday issued an apology to motorcyclists after new figures showed only 6.5% of bikes seen in a roadside survey were untaxed.