NCP Services has reorganised its clamping and removal teams to ensure its high-tech fleet of vans can be even more efficient at hunting down untaxed cars, and opened a new pound in Limavady to give it extra storage space for the increased number of vehicles expected to be removed from the roads.

"In all we have introduced an extra 30 per cent more resource, "said Tim Cowen, NCP Services Director of Communications.

"This will enable us to visit all of Northern Ireland even more frequently – no matter how rural, there is nowhere for untaxed vehicles to hide."

A team of around 40 NCP Services staff are dedicated to enforcement operation against untaxed vehicles, as part of a 300-strong UK wide operation.

The teams use high-tech ANPR vans (automatic number plate recognition) which can instantly spot any parked untaxed vehicle while driving past it at speeds of up to 20 miles an hour.

Owners of clamped vehicles must pay £200, before their vehicle is released and they will also be pursued for any back tax that is owed.

£120 is only refundable once a valid vehicle licence is produced.

Those vehicles that are impounded and not claimed after seven days could be crushed.

Levels of road tax evasion in Northern Ireland have been dropping in recent years, although at an estimated 5 per cent they are still more than twice the UK average.

Keith Murray of DVA, said: "Since car tax can only be purchased with a valid MOT and insurance certificate, it reduces the number of potentially dangerous untaxed, uninsured and unroadworthy vehicles on the road, helping to make the roads a safer place.

By targeting untaxed vehicles DVA, is helping to fight wider vehicle crime.  Occupants of untaxed cars are more likely to be involved in criminal activities such as anti-social behaviour and burglaries and therefore, by taking their cars, criminals are denied the use of the road.

Tim Cowen of NCP Services said: "The streets of Northern Ireland will be safer because of this new campaign.

"It has never been easier to tax your vehicle, at a Local Vehicle Licensing Office, Post Office, or by post, so there is no excuse for not doing it."

For further information on the wheelclamping operation, contact NCP Services communications manager James Pritchard on 020 7290 6218 or 07793 697409