In exchange for payment...

In exchange for payment, he"ll say he was behind the wheel at the time of the offence. The amazing scam will appeal to drivers who already have nine points, and face a ban if they get more.

It"s highly illegal, but experts say it is a growing problem. The practice has been slammed by police chiefs. A spokesman for the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) told Auto Express: "We are aware of this phenomenon, and it"s taken very seriously. This is a criminal offence which could lead to prosecution for perverting the course of justice."

However, not everyone was familiar with the scam. A spokesman for insurer Norwich Union said: "It"s the first time we"ve heard of people selling their licences in this way. Drivers are obliged to tell their insurers of any convictions, and this is fraudulent behaviour." The seller removed the offer soon after it appeared, but a spokeswoman for eBay said it would have pulled the auction if the vendor hadn"t.

Meanwhile, a black market in residents" parking permits is also springing up on the site. We"ve learned the high demand to park in busy urban areas means locals who don"t own cars are cleaning up by selling their vouchers to the highest bidders.