ROAD tax cheats in Burnley could face a crushing blow if they don't pay up due after a hard hitting campaign was launched by police.

The new crackdown on road tax cheats is being run in partnership with the DVLA and Vehicle Registration Organisation.

During a similar clampdown two years ago in Burnley, 218 vehicles were clamped and 120 vehicles were towed to a secure DVLA pound all in the first week of the campaign.

Owners of vehicles towed away were faced with towing and storage fees plus the cost of valid excise licence within five weeks or vehicles were crushed or sold at a auction.

Tax dodgers are also being reminded that the team at Pennine Police holds a UK record for car clamping. Burnley Police Inspector John Clucas said: "Previous clamp downs have proved extremely worthwhile and received widespread public support and recognition from law-abiding members of the community who are fed up with those flouting the law.

"That is why, over the coming weeks, our Traffic Wardens will be out in force looking for un-taxed vehicles and acting on intelligence received."

As well as the risk of being clamped, towed away and crushed, owners of unlicensed vehicles also face the prospect of prosecution with fines of up to £1,000 plus the back tax owed and costs. Because of the large number of complaints received by the police about tax dodgers, they are also going to launch a self reporting scheme whereby members of the public can report people to the DVLA direct.

Inspector Clucas added: "We get dozens of calls each week from people who pay their tax complaining about those who don't so we are currently in negotiation with the DVLA about a self reporting system.

"A scheme of this kind would no doubt be very successful."

To re-enforce the point to road tax dodgers a car will be crushed a 9.30am on Wednesday, April 10, in Burnley town centre, Croft Street.