Postbag: Surprise in store

Published: 11:20 AM January 18, 2006 Updated: 7:30 PM February 22, 2021

HAVING read about June Hawkes, of Over, winning a new car from Mackays, the clothing store in St Ives, I wonder whether both parties realise that, according to the DVLA, Mackays remain the legal owner of the car. I became aware of this Alice in Wonderlan

HAVING read about June Hawkes, of Over, winning a new car from Mackays, the clothing store in St Ives, I wonder whether both parties realise that, according to the DVLA, Mackays remain the legal owner of the car.

I became aware of this "Alice in Wonderland" situation when I bought my wife a new car as a gift.

However, when she received the documents from the DVLA, I became aware that, although my wife is formally recorded as the registered keeper, I remain the legal owner because I actually paid for the car.

This same regulation applies equally to any company such as Mackays.

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I contacted the DVLA to determine what legal foundation supports their ruling and they merely replied to the effect that it was not their responsibility because it was a civil matter.

So, if the DVLA ruling has any legal foundation, no one in the UK can actually give a car as a present or prize.