DVLA clamped 17,000 untaxed vehicles since 2022

More than 6,000 vehicles have been clamped so far this year

Nearly 17,000 untaxed vehicles have been clamped in Kent between 2022 and September 2024, according to data from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

A total of 10,731 vehicles were clamped by the DVLA in 2022 and 2023, and a further 6,172 so far this year, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Councillor Neil Baker, Kent County Council's cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “There is the odd person who simply forgets to pay for whatever reason but clearly not to that extent."

A statement from the DVLA said the authority was committed to tackling untaxed vehicles.

Kent County Council does not participate in or benefit from the DVLA’s activities.

Mr Baker said: “As a tax, it would be nice if the money people pay for vehicle excise duty actually came back to the local authorities who are in charge of looking after the roads but sadly that does not happen.

£100 release fee

“It seems that the money goes into the general pot and doesn’t always go where it’s needed.”

Roughly 98% of vehicles on the road are taxed correctly, according to the DVLA.

“We have a range of enforcement measures including fines and penalties and are working hard with our national wheel-clamping partner to clamp untaxed vehicles on our roads," a spokesperson said.

“It is easy for drivers to pay their vehicle tax, including using our quick and accessible online services.”

Car rescue service RAC says owners must pay the tax and a £100 release fee to be able to recover the vehicle.

If a vehicle is impounded, then a daily storage fee could be charged.

It will be held for up to 14 days before it is disposed of at auction or by breaking or crushing.