A CRACKDOWN on untaxed vehicles has been extended throughout west Wiltshire.

The project to tackle abandoned and unlicensed vehicles began in the Studley Green and Broadmead areas of Trowbridge in February.

Its initial success means the scheme has now been extended to other towns in west Wiltshire.

In four months, 33 problem vehicles were dealt with in pilot areas, by persuading owners to remove them, license them or submit a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) application.

Insp Glynn Ashforth of the community safety department, based in Melksham, said: "This project has produced some remarkable results in a relatively short space of time, and the partnership has now agreed to extend this project to other towns in the west Wiltshire area.

"We are committed to dealing with the thorny problems of untaxed and abandoned vehicles, and by taking such positive action we will make our communities better places in which to live."

The scheme is a partnership between West Wiltshire District Council, West Wiltshire Housing Society, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and the Wiltshire Constabulary.

It follows a change in the law by the DVLA in January meaning vehicles must be taxed at all times, whether on or off the road, unless a SORN declaration has been made. Owners face an £80 fine per month until the vehicle is taxed.