OPERATION Cubit, a multi-agency scheme to crackdown on untaxed and abandoned vehicles, has now dealt with more than 300 cars in the borough of Tunbridge Wells.

The project, involving the borough and county councils, the police and the DVLA, was launched in March.

It is an offence not to display a valid tax disc if a car is on the highway, and Cubit has targeted those who have failed to observe the law.

Offending vehicles have been impounded and owners charged £200 plus storage costs if they seek to reclaim them.

Others who have avoided having their cars towed away have faced £200 fines at the roadside.

When no owner has come forward, the impounded vehicles - more than 100 so far - have been crushed.

Cllr Paul Oliver-Smith (Con), the council's portfolio holder for health and housing, said: "The great number of cars dealt with during Operation Cubit reflects how well the member organisations have worked together.

"Removing abandoned and untaxed vehicles from around our borough is helping to make it a much tidier place.

"Such vehicles are often an eyesore and we therefore hope that residents are noticing the improvements that the scheme has generated."