The number of untaxed vehicles being clamped in Kent has rocketed in a single year, official figures have revealed.

Nearly 17,000 offenders have returned to their cars to find a bright yellow metal bracket attached to their vehicles between 2022 and September 2024.

The ME, TN, CT and DA postcodes in Kent saw a huge increase in the numbers between 2022 and 2023 in particular as the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) stepped up enforcement activity.

Clampings in that time frame jumped from 671 to 2,756 in ME; 570 to 1,395 in TN; 685 to 2,269 in CT and 494 to 1,891 in DA.

The totals for 2022 and 2023 combined are 10,731 and the total so far for 2024 is 6,172 making a grand total for 2022, 2023 and 2024 of 16,903. The final numbers for 2024 will not be available until early 2025.

Cllr Neil Baker, Kent County Council cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “That’s a lot of people who are not paying their road tax.

“I suppose the next question to ask is whether those same people are also paying their insurance and keeping their MoTs up to date. I guess there is the odd person who simply forgets to pay for whatever reason but clearly not to that extent.

“As a tax, it would be nice if the money people pay for vehicle excise duty actually came back to the local authorities who are in charge of looking after the roads but sadly that does not happen.

“It seems that the money goes into the general pot and doesn’t always go where it’s needed.”

KCC does not participate in or benefit from the DVLA's activities.

A DVLA statement said: “Whilst over 98% of vehicles on the road are taxed correctly, DVLA is committed to tackling untaxed vehicles.

“We have a range of enforcement measures including fines and penalties and are working hard with our national wheel-clamping partner to clamp untaxed vehicles on our roads.

“It is easy for drivers to pay their vehicle tax, including using our quick and accessible online services.”

The day-to-day enforcement activity is carried out by the DVLA’s clamping firm NSL, a national clamping contractor.

Car rescue service RAC says owners will have to pay the tax and a £100 release fee to be able to recover the vehicle.

If a vehicle is impounded even higher charges might be levied to have it released as well as a daily storage fee.

It will be held for up to 14 days before it is disposed of at auction or by breaking or crushing.

The RAC warns: “If your car has been clamped by the DVLA for unpaid tax, you’ll have to tax the vehicle before paying a £100 release fee. If you choose not to tax the vehicle you will have to pay a £160 surety fee on top of the £100 release fee.”