There used to be a VDRS scheme ( Vehicle defect rectification scheme) in my days. If it was a headlight out, we were expected to have seen the vehicle on two separate occasions. Along came the above scheme. Basically if a motorist was driving with defects, out came the pad. If the defects were not sorted I think within two weeks, it automatically went to a summons. If the defects were sorted the car had to be taken to a MOT station and at that time it was £10 for the VDRS to be stamped. Also within the form was the old HORT1 or present documents at a police station ( Joke where are they) if not done again summons. This really was a good system as it gave the motorist a chance which the greater majority took. and it was a time saver for plod.
I have continuing difficulty with a couple nearby. So I did a check on their vehicles. The Ford Transit Van ( he is an electrician), was not taxed nor had it been since the summer and under the new system of checking MOT's I looked at the record of this van. For the past 4 yrs it has failed on multiple faults. Tyres, each and every year he had received advisories for tyres only to fail again when represented. One year an advisory for defective number plate only to fail on that very point along with others the next year. Does this person not work it out that it is dangerous to drive on defective tyres. Can he not work it out that to fail four years running on tyres needs some thought. I do wonder if this is the way modern young people think. £1000 for the latest Apple phone but sod the safety on a vehicle which is probably loaded well as cable weighs a lot. Sorry, road safety, think about other motorist? NO so long as they can cock a snoot at the law and continue to use their phones while driving all is well with their little world. As an addendum it would be nice to check his Insurance status but it seems without payment and a good reason this can't be done.