Bracknell

A joint operation between Bracknell Forest Borough Council, Thames Valley Police and the DVLA found 64 untaxed vehicles on Bracknell borough's streets.

The Bracknell vehicles were either towed away or all outstanding costs were paid on the spot to keep them on the road. The cars which were towed away will only be released if the DVLA's costs are met and a valid tax disc, or the money to pay for one, can be produced. Unclaimed cars are crushed after 14 days.

Bracknell Council invited the police and the DVLA to help clear the streets of untaxed vehicles in target areas across the borough. Three abandoned vehicles were also removed in the operation, which took place earlier this month.

Cllr Mrs Mary Ballin, Executive Member for Bracknell Public and Environmental Services, said: "We welcome working with the DVLA and police in removing untaxed vehicles from the streets of Bracknell Forest. Once again, we removed a number of illegal vehicles despite previous warnings that we will be carrying out such operations for the foreseeable future.

"Such vehicles present a danger to all of us. Often they are driven around without insurance or MoT certificate. Many end up dumped and are a target for vandalism.

"This is just one of our initiatives to deal with such nuisance vehicles. Because of our efforts, the number of abandoned vehicles is reducing locally and next month, in addition to the powers to recover our costs and prosecute offenders, the Council will also have the power to levy fixed penalty notices for abandoning a vehicle. So anyone with an untaxed car or who is considering dumping a vehicle would be well advised to think again."

Sergeant Charlie Winter, from Thames Valley Police, said: "Untaxed vehicles were one of the concerns raised by residents at Neighbourhood Forums.

"This operation allowed Neighbourhood Officers to conduct high visibility patrols while working in partnership with Bracknell Forest Borough Council and the DVLA in direct enforcement."

Jeff Mumford, Head of Compliance at the DVLA, said: "We are pleased to be working in partnership to target people who try to evade paying their road tax. There is a strong link between untaxed vehicles, motoring offences, anti-social behaviour and crime.

"These vehicles are also a serious threat to road safety. Drivers who have declared their vehicle as off the road need to keep their vehicle on private land. Such vehicles must not be driven or kept on the highway or associated land. We will continue to apply the law rigorously wherever we find contraventions."

To report an untaxed vehicle call the DVLA on freephone 08000 325202.

To report an abandoned vehicle or have an unwanted car removed by the Council for a small fee call 01344 352000.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council