MORE than 70 vehicles were clamped in Accrington in the town's second car tax blitz in five months.

Police carried out their operation over an 11-day period this month.

During the operation, carried out in partnership with the DVLA and traffic wardens, officers targeted drivers who had flouted the law previously.

Officers clamped 76 vehicles, four of which had had clamps cut off during the last operation. Those four vehicles were impounded, with the owners facing hefty fines.

Once a car is clamped the owner has 24 hours to pay £200 to free the car, of which £120 will be returned if the vehicle is taxed within two weeks.

Otherwise the car will be impounded and there will be a £280 charge to release it, plus £15 for every day it is in the pound.

Sergeant Claire Holbrook, Accrington police co-ordinator, said: "During the last operation we had several people who illegally cut the clamps off their vehicles. I promised we would not be deterred and the people would not escape justice.

"This time some persistent offenders and the people who cut the clamps off have been revisited.

"In cases where they were still ignoring the law in relation to excise licence we have immediately assessed their vehicles. These people have now to face severe penalties.

"They have had enough warnings -- it's time for action."

Inspector Phil Cottam, Accrington's police commander, said: "As I promised we have been checking our information and we can now see the results.

"Those people who do not tax their vehicles need to understand that the penalties are severe and eventually they will be made to pay."