TAX dodging drivers received a crushing reminder of the consequences of driving without paying their way.Three untaxed vehicles were cubed in a car crusher in Great Yarmouth to deter motorists from not having a valid road fund licence.

TAX dodging drivers received a crushing reminder of the consequences of driving without paying their way.

Three untaxed vehicles were cubed in a car crusher in Great Yarmouth to deter motorists from not having a valid road fund licence.

Crowds gathered in the town's Market Place for a special demonstration to watch the cars crumpled. The mechanical grabber picked up the car as if it was at toy, before it was turned into a mangled lump of metal in just a few seconds .

Power to remove untaxed cars from the roadside has been transferred from the DVLA to the borough council-run Car Clear Partnership.

Car Clear co-ordinator Graham Carpenter said: “We would advise anyone who thinks that they can avoid paying the road tax fund that it isn't worth the risk. From October our powers will be extended to off-road including supermarket, council and residents' car parks. The problem with untaxed cars is they often do not have an MOT either, so they could potentially be dangerous.

“The chances are we are removing some vehicles used by criminals so it could have a knock-on effect on crime too.”

The borough council is the first local authority in Norfolk to take on the powers from the DVLA in Norfolk.

Since Car Clear started three years ago more than 900 abandoned motors have been removed from the streets reducing vehicle arson by almost 80pc.

The number of vehicles for sale by the roadside has fallen by more than 90pc after the scheme was given responsibility for removing them in July.

Anyone wanting to report an untaxed vehicle can contact Graham Carpenter on 01493 333371.