CARS, vans and motorcycles have been randomly checked by police in Medway in the fight against untaxed vehicles.

Traffic moved at a snail's pace on the London-bound carriageway of Rochester Bridge as one lane was closed off while officers pulled vehicles over.

The Operation Cubit team found 15 vehicles which had no tax, false tax documents, no MOT or no insurance. Two vehicles were also seized and taken away.

Police Inspector Martin Cunningham of Medway said the aim of Operation Cubit was to catch illegal motorists. He added: "Specific locations of Operation Cubit were not publicised as we wanted to catch those who evade the law, thus becoming a hazard to lawful road users.

"Some people criticize the police and other agencies for focusing on road tax. However, in order to get tax, people must prove insurance and MOT. A number of active criminals in the area use vehicles which are untaxed and un-insured.

"Untaxed vehicles cost tax-payers money. As well as stopping people who have committed offences, we were also able to educate people to help ensure their vehicles were roadworthy," he added.

"I would like to thank the majority of law-abiding members of the public who were in the most part, patient and understanding.

"Without their support, this operation could not be as successful as it is."

Operation Cubit is a multi-agency approach by Medway Council, the police and the DVLA to tackle to problem of untaxed and abandoned vehicles in Medway.