MORE than 50 cars have been seized as a result of the latest clampdown on untaxed vehicles in the Medway area.

As part of Operation Cubit, Kent Police, Medway council and the DVLA took to the streets between Monday, June 18 and Friday, June 22, in an effort to make the roads in the area safer.

A total of 56 motorists were dealt with for failing to tax their cars. Two opted to pay their tax at the roadside, while the remaining 54 cars were seized.

PC Andy Ledger, who led the police response, said: "This action is about making the roads in Medway safer. Often cars that are untaxed are uninsured and in some cases not roadworthy. By taking these vehicles off the streets we are making a positive difference in the community.

"Some untaxed cars are left abandoned and they often attract the attention vandals or arsonists. This can give the impression that an area is a `no-go' zone and make people fearful.

"We are keen to make sure we remove as many untaxed cars as possible so that Medway residents can enjoy a better quality of life and clean safe streets."

Medway council's portfolio holder for community safety and enforcement, Cllr Rehman Chishti, said: "We want a clean and green environment and safer communities in Medway - two of the council's top priorities. Operation Cubit tackles both these issues in a serious and immediate way.

"The message is clear: obey the law and tax your vehicle, or face the consequences. We are on the lookout and you will be found out."

What Operation Cubit is all about?

While the campaign is under way, untaxed vehicles that are untaxed, or whose tax is out of date by more than one month, may be immediately seized and removed, whether they are considered to be abandoned or not.

If a vehicle is removed, vehicle owners will have to pay statutory fees plus any back-tax to reclaim their vehicles. Vehicles not claimed within seven days will be scrapped.

The benefits of the scheme are:

* Immediate removal (vehicles with statutory notices affixed often became a target for vandals or arson attack) * Substantial induced vehicle taxation income to the treasury

* Reduced vehicle crime

* Reduced vehicle fires

* Reduced risk to the environment

* Reduced risk of safety hazard to children * Reduced car tax avoidance

* Overall improvement to quality of life to communities

* Early and positive action against offenders/offensive vehicles