TAX-dodging motorists could lose their cars now police have joined forces with DVLA-appointed car-clampers in an operation to get untaxed vehicles off Hyndburn's roads.

Police gathered information about untaxed vehicles over several weeks and delayed taking action until the clamping team came to town.

A total of 53 vehicles were clamped last week by DVLA contractors, working with police back-up. Of those, 35 were impounded after their owners failed to pay release fees.

The clampdown began last Monday when the DVLA-contracted team immobilised 23 vehicles in Great Harwood, Clayton-le-Moors and Rishton. On Wednesday, the team moved to Accrington where 30 cars were clamped.

Insp Bob Ford of Great Harwood Police said: "We get so many members of the public ringing us up. At a couple of addresses in Clayton-le-Moors and Rishton several cars were clamped. Not long afterwards one of the clamps was cut off. We are now pursuing the persons we believe are responsible and hope to charge them with theft of the clamp."

If release fees are not paid, the cars are taken to a compound at Wythenshawe, Manchester, from where they will either be crushed or auctioned.

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