FOUR thousand vehicles in Bristol were clamped, impounded or crushed last year because they did not have road tax.

The figures have been released by the DVLA, which is running a campaign in the city this month against road tax dodgers.

During the last 12 months, 2,300 vehicles were clamped, more than 900 were impounded and more than 800 were crushed or shredded.

Motorists whose vehicles are wheelclamped for not having a valid tax disc must pay a £100 release fee.

In addition, a valid tax disc must be produced, otherwise a surety of £160 must be paid before a vehicle is released.

The surety payment is forfeited if a valid tax disc is not produced within two weeks. If not claimed within 24 hours, a vehicle is impounded and the release fee rises to £200 plus £21 per day storage.

Vehicles not claimed within 14 days are crushed or sold at auction.

Bethan Beasley, DVLA's head of wheelclamping, said: "We are determined to target irresponsible motorists who consistently evade paying their road tax.

"Road tax evaders do not usually have up-to-date insurance or valid MOT certificates, and are often involved in some other forms of criminality.

"The message is clear – if motorists do not want their vehicles to be clamped, towed or crushed, they must have a valid tax disc displayed if their vehicle is kept or used on the road."

Drivers and registered keepers in Bristol can apply for road tax online, over the phone or over-the-counter, and can find out more information about this issue by visiting the DVLA roadshow on Friday, March 19, at The Mall, Cribbs Causeway and The Mall, Bristol.