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Environment minister left bemused by bike tax fine
Northern Ireland environment minister and motorbike enthusiast Sammy Wilson was left bemused after he was fined for riding his bike with no MOT or tax certificate.
The 55-year-old politician was caught out by cameras in east Belfast, but explained that he had been on his way to have the vehicle serviced ahead of its upcoming MOT.
And the man responsible for Northern Ireland road safety admitted he did not know that he was committing an offence.
"I remember passing the camera at the time and never thought anything about it to tell you the truth," he said. "I genuinely believed that it was perfectly legitimate for me to drive the bike to get it fixed for MOT."
The incident comes as a reminder to motorcycle insurance holders to ensure that they also keep on top of tax and MOT regulations, with Mr Wilson expressing his belief that "thousands of bikers" would probably make the same mistake.
Statistics from the Department for Transport (DfT) revealed earlier this year that the cost of lost revenue resulting from vehicle tax evasion could amount to £79 million in 2007-08, with UK evasion rates thought to be highest amongst motorcycle users.
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