Around £175 million is estimated to be lost in unpaid vehicle excise duty and the new form is the first shot in a new campaign against evaders. Its launch follows a consultation document and motor industry discussions on how best to crack down on the tax dodgers.

The form means the seller of the vehicle is legally responsible for accurately completing all transfer details and sending them to the DVLA. The form must also be signed by the buyer. Separate sections must be completed depending on whether the vehicle is sold privately or to the motor trade and the form is the first step along the route to tracking vehicle movement within the motor trade.