CAR tax dodgers and unroadworthy vehicles were targeted this week (February 15) during a special roadside blitz launched by Blackpool and St Annes police.

The ambitious two-day exercise was set up outside Pontins on Clifton Drive and opposite Trebaron Garden Centre on Common Edge Road, Blackpool.

The high-profile initiative adopted a multi-agency approach, bringing together the Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency, the Department of Transport prohibition officers, police road safety officers, traffic wardens and taxi enforcement officers in a bid to reduce the number of road traffic accidents in the area and control and monitor crime in the South Fylde.

St Annes-based Sgt Stephen Lawman said: "Overall it has proved very successful and we have had a positive response from the public.

"During the first day alone there were 26 prosecutions for no road tax, one vehicle was deemed unroadworthy, one fixed penalty was issued for a motoring offence and one taxi was found with a bald tyre. "We have also made one arrest and have collected stacks of intelligence about criminal activity in the area."

Not having a current licence disc could prove costly for those caught out -- they could face a fine of up to £1,000 for a private car or motorcycle and up to £23,000 for heavy goods vehicles. In addition to paying a fine, convicted offenders will have to pay back duty penalties from the date the vehicle was last licensed, together with costs.

The Kirkham-based Vehicle Inspectorate prohibited six vehicles that were in a dangerous condition or unroadworthy during the first day of checks.

Prohibition officer Brian Hayhurst explained: "We have been carrying out vehicle condition checks, which involves checking tyres, steering and exhaust emissions. For example we had one car with a defective tyre which was immediately taken off the road."

One member of the public who was stopped by the police was supportive of the checks. She told The Citizen: "It is a very good idea that will hopefully improve safety on our roads. I think there should be more of these type of things done."