SCORES of vehicles have been inspected as part of a joint operation to clamp down on those which are untaxed.

Cumbria Police teamed up with the DVLA and Carlisle City Council’s enforcement team to target a number of hotspot areas for cars without road tax earlier this month.

The operation saw a total of 17 vehicles clamped in the Carlisle and district area in a single day.

The action was co-ordinated from Carlisle Local Focus Hub, based at the Civic Centre.

Sergeant Chris Blain said: “One of the great benefits of the hub is bringing the different agencies together for an operation such as this, allowing illegal vehicles to be successfully dealt with.

“This is not the first such operation we have run in Carlisle and we will continue to plan more as long as we keep getting information that there are illegal, non-road taxed cars on the road in our city.

“The public contact us to report these vehicles and I would like to ask them to continue to do so.

“That way we can continue to take action.”

While the DVLA removed the vehicles, the campaign was supported by the city council who provided information, and have warned motorists to ensure their taxes are up to date.

A Carlisle City Council spokeswoman added: “Abandoned vehicles are a blight and we encourage residents to contact us if they have any information.

“If you suspect a vehicle has been abandoned you can report it by calling us on 01228 817200 or online at www.carlisle.gov.uk.

“We will continue to work with our colleagues in the Police Hub and other partners to tackle illegal vehicles.”

This latest round of action comes after dozens of cars were targeted by the same teams earlier this year.

Named Operation Michelin, Cumbria Police and partner agencies got together at the start of March to find those being used on then roads without tax, plus those which had been left abandoned of in a dangerous condition.

The DVLA team from Newcastle joined forces with City Council Enforcement, County Council civil enforcement teams, Police Officers and Police Community Support Officers.

That operation targeted various locations around the city, plus some rural areas following complaints from the local community.

n To tax a car, motorvehicle, or any other vehicle, or check if it has been taxed, go online to www.gov.uk/vehicle-tax