Illegal, untaxed and potentially dangerous vehicles have been taken off the streets as part of an ongoing crackdown.
The latest swoop – part of a wide-ranging week of action – saw seven cars and vans taken out of circulation in North Ormesby.
Middlesbrough Council’s Environmental Neighbourhood Safety Team were joined by counterparts from DVLA and the Neighbourhood Policing Team to tackle the issue in response to local concerns.
During the day the DVLA’s ANPR vehicle scanned a total of 3,685 number plates and identified 118 vehicles as untaxed and subject to further enforcement action.
Those found to be untaxed – and therefore uninsured - face having their vehicle seized, with the possibility of prosecution and an unlimited fine, a potential driving ban, higher insurance premiums and penalty points on their licence.
Seized vehicles incur a £100 release fee, which increases to £200 if the owner does not come forward within 24 hours, as well as a daily storage charge of £21 per day.
If your vehicle does not have a valid MOT, you must also pay a surety fee of £160, this can be reclaimed within 15 days providing proof of vehicle tax. The vehicle must not be used or kept on a public road must make a SORN. A SORN does not entitle to you a refund.
Councillor Janet Thompson, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive member for Community Safety, said: “Untaxed and uninsured vehicles are frequently linked to organised crime, pose a danger to the public and blight communities.
“This latest operation is yet another example of the positive and proactive approach we take with our partners to stamp out all forms of antisocial behaviour.”
Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Chief Inspector Nigel Burnell said: “Working in conjunction with the local council and other agencies, we will continue to remove untaxed and potentially dangerous vehicles from our roads as we ensure that people abide by the laws which are put in place to help keep people safe.
“Sometimes, uninsured vehicles are used in wider criminal activity and removing them from our roads can help us to protect our communities.”
To report illegal vehicles or any crime, call Cleveland Police on 101, or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111, or visit the Crimestoppers website.