The cars – often in an unroadworthy condition – are on their way to the crusher as part of an ongoing operation across the town.
In the latest phase of the crackdown, five cars were towed away in Pallister Park and Brambles Farm on Tuesday (February 25).
Middlesbrough Council’s Environmental Neighbourhood Safety Wardens were joined on the operation by members of Cleveland Police’s Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Policing Team.
Untaxed – and therefore uninsured – vehicles can be seized, with their owners facing possible 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 the vehicle does not have a valid MOT, a surety fee of £160 is also payable, although the fee can be reclaimed if proof of vehicle tax is provided within 15 days.
Councillor Peter Gavigan, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive member for Environment & Sustainability, said: “Removing these untaxed and uninsured vehicles is a real boost for the communities they blight.
“They’re often used in criminal activity, and put other members of the public at risk because they’re frequently in a dangerous condition.”
Inspector Darren Birkett from Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “Yet again we have joined forces with our colleagues at Middlesbrough Council to remove vehicles from our roads which may be unsafe and being used criminally on our roads.
“These vehicles have now been seized, and this work will continue so that we can try to keep people safe from these unroadworthy vehicles.”
• To report illegal vehicles or any crime, call Cleveland Police on 101, or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111, or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org
