DVLA court summons

I stupidly forgot to pay tax on my vehicle, I had moved premises and forgot to change my address so as a result my car wasn't taxed. It ended up being clamped.
I paid the tax and backdated it and also paid the to have the car declamped. I apolgised for my error and thought nothing would of it. But I received a court summons saying I had kept an unlicenced vehicle and would need to appear in court. Unfortunately I did not receive this letter until my ex-landlord forwarded it on to and I missed the court date. I just received another letter from Manchester accounts and enforcement office saying that I owe £472. Has anyone ever dealt with this before and if so have I grounds to appeal?

Asked on 8 November 2015 by legend123

Answered by Honest John
Draconian penalties for this sort of thing, but you missed the court hearing so were unable to defend yourself. DVLA is being run as a business, but a very nasty one. They even de-taxed a car when one reader moved house, then attempted to fine him for failing to re-tax his car after a change of keeper.
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