Untaxed cars and vans have been seized from Medway streets in a week-long operation.

The vehicles were taken off the streets during the first week of August in the joint operation which included the Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) which can check vehicles across Medway to ensure they had valid car tax.

In total, police removed 58 vehicles, which were taken to a car pound where they will stay until their owners pay a release fee and tax their vehicle.

Chief Inspector Des Keers from Medway Police, said: “This action is about making the roads in Medway safer.

“Often cars that are untaxed are uninsured and in some cases not road worthy.

“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.”