DVLA are clamping untaxed cars in High Wycombe

As part of an enforcement operations, the DVLA’s ‘wheel clamping partner’ NSL has been slapping fines on untaxed vehicles across the town since April 17.

And 78 have been clamped since April 17, with the operation continuing into this weekend.

The Bucks Free Press has seen cars clamped in Old Forge Road, Loudwater and Princes Gate to the east of town where several cars were targeted.

This Mercedes in the car park of Tesco on London Road has been stickered as 'untaxed'.

Two untaxed cars on nearby Grace Reading Close have been towed away after being parked by the roadside for more than a year.

And dozens more across town have been spotted and clamped in just over a week - with many towed away.

NSL clamps or impounds any untaxed vehicles seen on the road.

A clamped car in Loudwater

Two untaxed cars parked on Grace Reading Close for over a year are now gone 

What happens to untaxed cars?

The DVLA sends reminders to all vehicle keepers to let them know when their tax is due.

Wheel clamping is one of a range of enforcement measures we use against untaxed vehicles. Where an untaxed vehicle is clamped, the motorist will have to pay a release fee of £100.

If they cannot show that the vehicle has been taxed, they will pay a ‘surety fee’ of £160. The surety fee is refunded if the motorist is able to show that the vehicle has been taxed within 15 days of the vehicle's release.

If the release fee has not been paid within 24 hours then the vehicle will be impounded.

The release fee will then rise to £200 and there will be a storage charge of £21 per day. Again, a surety fee of £160 must be paid if the motorist cannot show that the vehicle has been taxed.

Clamps from cars that have been released or towed away can be seen by the side of the road across town 

What should happen if a car needs to be left untaxed?

A vehicle not in use on the roads must be declared off the road (SORN) before the tax expires.

It must be kept off the road, on private land. Further information on taxing a vehicle can be found at www.gov.uk/vehicle-tax Do you see a lot of untaxed cars cluttering up roads near where you live? Tell us in the comments where wheel clampers should go next

What does the DVLA have to say?

DVLA enforcement spokeswoman Beth Beasley said: “While over 98% of vehicles on the road are taxed correctly, it is right that we take action against those who don’t tax their vehicles and then drive them - otherwise it wouldn’t be fair to those who do the right thing.

“We don’t need to spot a vehicle on the road to take enforcement action but if we do, wheel clamping is an effective way to make sure that an untaxed vehicle is not driven on the road.

“It’s never been easier to tax your car – it’s just a few clicks to do it online and you can do it 24 hours a day, you can also spread payments across the year by Direct Debit so there really is no excuse. Having your vehicle clamped is expensive and inconvenient. Don’t take the risk – tax it or lose it.”