POLICE have issued a warning to motorists whose untaxed cars have been clamped - "Pay up, or your car will be crushed."

The warning followed the completion of Operation Jethro, a two-week joint initiative by police in North Yorkshire and the DVLA.

Over the period, action was taken in respect of 115 vehicles, 89 of which were clamped.

The owners of 36 of the immobilised vehicles have already paid the fines and duty owed.

The remaining 53 vehicles are still impounded - and their future could be very short.

"If the necessary payments are not received within the next five weeks, these vehicles will be crushed," said a police spokesman.