53 untaxed vehicles clamped during Warrington crackdown

Officers from the NSL, DVLA’s national wheel clamping partner, have been touring the town since Saturday seeking out untaxed cars with their number plate recognition software.

Many residents may have seen vehicles clamped this week with a large sticker across the window stating the car had not been taxed.

A DVLA spokesman added: “While over 98% of vehicles on the road are taxed correctly, it is right that we take action against those who don’t tax their vehicles and then drive them - otherwise it wouldn’t be fair to those who do the right thing.

"Clamping is one of a range of measures we use to make sure these untaxed vehicles are not driven on the road.

“We don’t need to spot a vehicle on the road to take enforcement action but if we do, wheel clamping is an effective way to make sure that an untaxed vehicle is not driven on the road.

“It’s never been easier to tax your car – it’s just a few clicks to do it online and you can do it 24 hours a day, you can also spread payments across the year by Direct Debit so there really is no excuse. "Having your vehicle clamped is expensive and inconvenient. Don’t take the risk – it just isn’t worth it.”

What happens to cars that have been clamped?

The official keeper of the vehicle must pay a release fee of £100 and, if they cannot show it has been taxed, a further surety of £160 is levied.

The surety fee is refunded if the motorist is able to show that the vehicle has been taxed within 15 days of its release.

If the release fee has not been paid then the vehicle will be impounded.

The release fee will then rise to £200 and there will be a storage charge of £21 per day.

How can I check my car has been taxed?

The DVLA sends out reminder letters to car owners when their tax is due for renewal which is why they advise motorists to notify the DVLA of any change of address.

You can check your vehicle's tax is up to date by clicking here and entering your number plate