Drivers face £300 fines and cars being seized in crackdown over DVLA rule

Untaxed vehicles are being seized in a major crackdown in the North East of England - with drivers forced to pay massive fines. Middlesbrough Council has launched an operation to seize vehicles which are potentially dangerous, as well as those that are untaxed across the city sending a clear message to drivers.

The operation was part of an ongoing initiative during National Antisocial Behaviour Awareness Week, with authorities confirming that the seized cars will be destined for the crusher. Councillor Janet Thompson noted that the move has already found a number of vehicles being used for other illegal purposes, such as smuggling drugs.

She explained: "This is another brilliant example of the sort of partnership working that makes a real difference to entire neighbourhoods. Untaxed and uninsured vehicles are often used in criminal activity which causes a blight to the community - and that's starkly illustrated by the haul of drugs found in one such vehicle only last month."

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Any untaxed vehicles spotted by the authorities are seized, with owners having to pay a hefty £100 release fee, which can rise to £200 if the owner fails to collect the car within 24 hours. The operation was a joint effort between Middlesbrough Council's Environmental Neighbourhood Safety Wardens and Cleveland Police's Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Policing Team.

Owners may also face a further £300 penalty and six licence points from the police if the vehicle is also uninsured. Inspector Darren Birkett, from Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Policing Team, added: "Two days of action have taken place during Antisocial Behaviour Awareness Week; targeting vehicles which may be being used criminally on our roads, and they have now been seized.

“We will continue to work with Middlesbrough Council to seize untaxed vehicles to ensure that members of the public are kept as safe as possible from unroadworthy vehicles.”