Untaxed vehicles seized in major crackdown with drivers forced to pay massive fines
A local authority has started a major crackdown on untaxed vehicles with 16 cars already towed away during a two-day operation this week.
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.
The operation was a joint effort between Middlesbrough Council’s Environmental Neighbourhood Safety Wardens and Cleveland Police’s Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Policing Team.
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The teams specifically targeted untaxed and abandoned vehicles in the town’s Newport and Central wards. Vehicles found to be untaxed were considered uninsured and immediately seized by authorities.
Owners of untaxed vehicles face severe consequences, including possible prosecution, unlimited fines, and potential driving bans. They may also incur higher insurance premiums and penalty points on their driving licence.
Retrieving seized vehicles back from the council also incurs substantial financial penalties including a £100 release fee, which increases to £200 if the owner fails to come forward within 24 hours.
Additional daily storage charges of £21 apply for each day the vehicle remains impounded. Vehicles without a valid MOT incur a further surety fee of £160, although this can be reclaimed if proof of vehicle tax is provided within 15 days.
On top of the fines for untaxed vehicles, if the car is also uninsured, drivers can face a £300 fixed penalty notice alongside six points on a driving licence.
These measures form part of the authorities’ strategy to discourage vehicle tax evasion and ensure road safety compliance.
In addition to the vehicle tax enforcement action, the operation also led to 50 bags of crack cocaine being seized.
Councillor Janet Thompson said: “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.”
Members of the public are encouraged to report illegal vehicles through official channels. Reports can be made by calling Cleveland Police on 101.
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.”
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The DVLA encourages drivers to report untaxed vehicles which can be done anonymously online.
The website explains: “Make a note of the vehicle registration number, make, model and colour of the vehicle and the street name, town and the postcode where you saw it. You will not be able to report the vehicle without these details.”