AN operation to seize and crush untaxed cars in Middlesbrough has expanded.

Since March last year, Operation Cube It has been running in the town and has resulted in 314 untaxed, uninsured and un-roadworthy vehicles being destroyed.

The operation is an initiative between Middlesbrough Council, police and the DVLA.

Earlier this month, the DVLA signed an agreement allowing Middlesbrough Council to remove untaxed cars parked on streets.

The move means any vehicle without a tax disc can be checked with the DVLA at Swansea within three seconds and the offending vehicle put on a low loader and taken to a pound.

Vehicles are held for a minimum of seven days before being crushed.

The scheme was launched this week by the town's Mayor, Ray Mallon.

As part of the changes, any police officer who stops an untaxed vehicle in Middlesbrough can arrange for the council to take it to a pound.

The driver of the vehicle can then release it for £200, of which £120 is a returnable bond to ensure they tax the vehicle