PEOPLE who refuse to tax their vehicles are a menace on a number of levels. At one end of the scale there is the deadly serious possibility that they haven't got the remaining documentation such as insurance, and at the other end there is the annoyance factor. Why should the honest motorist be penalised by the selfish individuals who like to think they can cock a snook at the system?

This newspaper has no patience whatsoever with those who think they can get away with defrauding their fellow citizens. And judging by today's front page story, neither has the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, which has enthusiastically embarked on a campaign of clamping, impounding and ultimately crushing cars owned by recalcitrant drivers. However, at this juncture, we must sound a cautionary note.

While the Worcester News has no problem with the principle of making the dishonest among us recognise the errors of their ways, we are nevertheless mindful of what appears to be a drift in law enforcement from accountable bodies - such as the police - to an organisation that is not subject to any form of democratic scrutiny.

It is not hard to imagine circumstances whereby an injustice might be committed. For example, what happens if someone forgets to pay their tax, go on holiday... and returns to find their vehicle destroyed? Indeed, what other forms of law enforcement have been earmarked for farming-out? British people are happy to live under the rule of law - but we must be careful to ensure there is no nibbling away at the edges of this consensus.