Hundreds of car tax dodgers have been caught in a three-month crackdown.

More than 400 cars without valid tax discs were spotted in a three-month operation across Bradford by the DVLA.

They were all clamped and 142 of them ended up being crushed.

Between August and October a fleet of vans, operated by contractor NCP, caught 415 vehicles - mostly cars and small vans - without a valid tax disc.

Today the DVLA warned motorists to ensure their car tax was up-to-date or face the consequences.

DVLA head of wheel clamping Bethan Beasley said: "The Bradford operation marks a new chapter in our fight against car tax evasion. The new vans combined with NCP's national reach, means we're able to track down, impound and potentially crush untaxed vehicles quicker than ever before.

"The results of this operation should make it clear to everyone that there is no hiding place for car tax cheats."

DVLA said the car tax crackdown operation was great news for road safety in the Bradford area.

Car tax can only be bought with a valid MOT and insurance certificate, so the crackdown reduces the number of dangerous, untaxed, uninsured and un-roadworthy vehicles on the road.

By targeting untaxed vehicles, DVLA is also helping to fight wider vehicle crime.

Occupants of untaxed cars are more likely to be involved in criminal activities involving drugs, anti-social behaviour, burglary and violent crime.

Roads Minister Stephen Ladyman said: "The clampdown on car tax evasion is great news for law abiding motorists and bad news for criminals."

NCP's new fleet of vans are equipped with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology that checks number plates against a list of untaxed vehicles in seconds.

Tax cheats face their untaxed cars being clamped and possibly impounded. Drivers have to pay £80 to release a clamp from a vehicle as well as producing a valid vehicle license.

If a license cannot be produced, a surety - £120 for a car or motorcycle, up to £600 for other vehicles - must be paid before the vehicle can be released.

The surety payment is forfeited if a valid tax disc is not produced within two weeks.

Those which are not claimed after seven days can be crushed.

Unlicensed vehicles can be reported to DVLA online at www.direct.gov.uk/motoring or by calling 08000 325 202.

e-mail: fiona.evans@bradford.newsquest.co.uk