Car crackdown takes 16 vehicles off streets (From Clacton and Frinton Gazette)

Car crackdown takes 16 vehicles off streets

5:43pm Thursday 5th November 2009

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A CRACKDOWN on illegal vehicles was hailed a success after 16 untaxed and abandoned cars were removed from the streets.

Police and community wardens combed the streets of Clacton under Operation Cubit, a joint initiative between police and Tendring Council.

The six police officers and six community wardens were looking for vehicles with tax discs that had expired in September or earlier.

They towed away 11 untaxed vehicles on Tuesday and another seven yesterday. Two further cars were clamped.

Lynda McWilliams, Tendring Council’s environment portfolio holder, said the initiative, which took place during the Not in my Neighbourhood Week, aid: “The council issued a stern warning last month that it now has the power to pounce on untaxed vehicles and remove them.

“We have carried out this joint operation in partnership with the police and our contractors and I am delighted so many illegal vehicles have been taken away in just two days.

“This may have been the first time that we have put these new powers to good use but it will certainly not be the last.”

Chief Inspector Jon Hayter said the police will continue to target drivers who avoid paying tax.

He said: “People without tax invariably also have no insurance.

“This is a significant issue for law-abiding drivers who have the misfortune of being involved in an accident where the other driver has no insurance.”

All the untaxed vehicles were put through a DVLA check before they were removed.

They were then taken to a secure compound.

Their owners will have to pay to recover them, at a cost of £100 if they are recovered in the first 24 hours and £200 after 24 hours, with storage charged at £21 per day after 48 hours.

They will also need to produce a valid tax disc or hand over £160 surety before they can get their vehicle back.

Unclaimed vehicles will be scrapped or sold depending on their value. Low value vehicles will be scrapped after seven days and the higher value ones scrapped or sold after 14 days.

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