CAR tax dodgers in the North-East are waking up today to the realisation that the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has got their number.
Mobile cameras have caught 109 unlicensed vehicles across Teesside in the first two days of a region-wide clampdown on tax evaders. In the same period, squads have clamped 20 unlicensed vehicles.
"It has been quite successful for just the first two days," said a DVLA spokesman. "What we are hoping is people will go out and voluntarily renew their car tax.
"For those hardened evaders, they can see the evidence now that we mean business."
It is estimated that there are 13,000 road tax dodgers on Teesside, costing the Exchequer £1.6m in lost revenue.
Dodgers picked up on camera will receive fines in the post while those wheel clamped will have to pay £200 - an £80 fee for the removal of the clamp plus £120 towards the cost of a tax disc.
If the vehicle is not claimed in the first 24 hours, it will be towed away to a compound and drivers will have to pay £280 before they can drive away.
That is made up of a £160 towing charge, the £120 surety payment for a tax disc and storage of £15 a day.
The cameras can be operated from lay-bys and bridges and can accurately read the number plates of vehicles travelling at more than 100mph.
The evidence could lead to some drivers being prosecuted.
The spokesman said: "We do not want people thinking that because they saw a camera on a certain road one day it will be there the next, because they can be moved easily."
Cleveland Police are also stepping up enforcement activities.
Inspector Steve Lawson said: "Untaxed vehicles usually have no insurance, or test certificate, and present a danger to all road users."
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