Vans with the latest number plate recognition technology caught out 462 motorists in Rochdale.
The owners risked having their cars crushed if they didn't pay up within seven days.
Bethan Beasley, head of wheel clamping at the DVLA, said: "The success of the Rochdale operation marks a new chapter in our fight against car tax evasion. We are able to track down, impound and potentially crush untaxed vehicles quicker than ever before.
"This operation should make it clear to everyone that there is no hiding place for car tax cheats."
Any cars spotted without a valid tax disc face being clamped and drivers have to pay at least é80 to get them released.
If not paid off immediately, motorists have to pay é15 per day while their cars are at the pound, and if they are still not claimed and paid for within seven days, the cars could be crushed.
A DVLA spokesman, said: "This crackdown is great news for road safety in the Rochdale area.
"Since car tax can only be purchased with a valid MOT and insurance certificate, it reduces the number of potentially dangerous, untaxed, uninsured and unroadworthy vehicles on the road."
* The public can report unlicensed vehicles to DVLA online at www.direct.gov.uk /motoring or by ringing 08000 325 202. Tweet
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I think it is right to clamp down on these people....because generally they are unlikely to be legal in other ways....insurance....full licence..etc.....and therefore more likely to do a "hit and run" if involved in an accident. BUT, the chances are that they are driving a car which is not fit for the road. So they are more likely to go out and buy another old banger, rather than pay a clamping fine. It is claimed that "¿¿40,000 in fines have been given out" but how much of that has ACTUALLY been paid.....by the offenders....and how much by the tax payer?
How come there's only been hundreds fined;there are thosandsand you can bet that they have no insurance or MOT either.They have collected average,just over 100 quid per person;I bet it cost more than that to collect and I bet that their back tax for 'n'years wasn't collected either.Unlike most motoring purges,this one is legit because if the offender is not insured,it is difficult to claim off them after an accident!
This is good news, but a lot more needs to be done. The police are able to find people who speed easly enough, this technology needs to be more widely used.
Dave, anyone who challenges the authorities on this is usually let off because what the police are threatening is actually illegal. That is why only 462.