An angry motorist was arrested today after trying to drill a wheel clamp from his car.

The VW Golf owner had been clamped for not having road tax as part of a joint operation between Durham police and the DVLA.

The man, in his thirties, was arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage to the £300 clamp, which was destroyed.

Two cars were yesterday due to be towed away from Delves Lane, in Consett, leaving the owners with an £80 fine if they collect their cars from the DVLA compound in Newcastle within 24 hours.

They must also pay a £120 surety or produce a valid tax disc otherwise risk having their car crushed.

Ten vehicle owners who have been clamped have to pay £200 up front and will have £120 refunded when they get a valid disc.

The clampdown came after police post boxes launched last year were inundated with complaints about car tax dodgers.

Beat officer Pc Jonathan Hamill, who coordinated the campaign, said: "The public are enraged because it is annoying when you have to pay for something and other people don't.

"It is an emotive issue but people appear to have been reassured by our positive action.

"This has been successful because it has demonstrated a police presence in the area.

"We have found untaxed vehicle and dealt with them appropriately. There are less untaxed cars in Consett now than there were before."

To report untaxed vehicles, or any other crime call 0845 60 60 365 of use the police post boxes to pass on information.