In a joint operation with Cleveland Police and the DVLA, Middlesbrough Council’s Environmental Neighbourhood Safety Wardens removed 12 potentially dangerous cars on Friday (June 27).
The cars – seven in the east of the town and five in the north - were towed away and if they remain unclaimed will be crushed.
The DVLA automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) vehicle also recorded 92 untaxed vehicles, with the majority of these facing the prospect of follow-up enforcement action.
Owners of untaxed – and therefore uninsured – vehicles face possible prosecution and an unlimited fine alongside a potential driving ban, higher insurance costs and penalty points on their licence.
Seized vehicles incur a £100 release fee – rising to £200 if the owner does not come forward within 24 hours - as well as a daily storage charge of £21 per day.
Where the vehicle does not have a valid MOT, a surety fee of £160 is also payable, although this can be reclaimed if proof of vehicle tax is provided within 15 days.
Councillor Ian Blades, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive member for Neighbourhoods, said: “Untaxed vehicles like these are dangerous, blight whole neighbourhoods and are frequently involved in crime.
“We will continue to work closely with our partners in Cleveland Police and the DVLA to remove them and put them out of commission on behalf of law-abiding residents.
“I’m also grateful to the public for their continued support – report these vehicles to us and we will deal with them.”
Middlesbrough Neighbourhoods Inspector Des Horton said: “Cleveland Police, Middlesbrough Council and the DVLA, will continue to work together to remove untaxed and dangerous vehicles from our roads and our communities can expect to see further operations like this in the future.”
• To report illegal vehicles or any crime, call Cleveland Police on 101, or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111, or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org
