MOTORISTS who dodge tax and dump vehicles in Middlesbrough were in for a shock yesterday.

Officials used a crane and lorry to take away 31 abandoned vehicles, which were lifted from the streets and taken to a secure police compound in South Bank by teams operating three low-loaders.

Stickers warning drivers about the action had already been put on cars identified by the DVLA, but those who took no action had their cars impounded.

Drivers who realised what was happening were able to pay a £200 charge to stop their vehicles being taken away, but further charges of £25 a day for storage are incurred for those who fail to respond.

One owner, from Pallister Park, paid £600 to stop the team, which included Cleveland Police, the DVLA and Middlesbrough Council, taking away three of his untaxed vehicles.

Abandoned vehicles officer Bill Morton, of Middlesbrough Council, said: "Cars left on the street usually end up being burned out by youths and are a danger to the public.

"People are supporting what we are doing because they find it annoying when they pay their road tax but cannot park outside their homes because someone has abandoned a car or refuses to pay their tax."

One man had to be calmed down by police and threatened with arrest for public order offences after he began shouting at removal officers.

Police said one in five of the cars they took away were being used for criminal activity, including burglary, car theft and filling up with fuel at petrol stations then driving off without paying.

To report an abandoned car, call (01642) 303 126.