RESIDENTS have been urged to shop car tax dodgers on a special hotline.

Tendring Council has been given new powers to tow away untaxed vehicles found on roads and car parks.

It already had the power to remove abandoned vehicles, but now it is targeting untaxed cars which risk being sold or scrapped.

Lynda McWilliams, councillor responsible for environment, said: “We want to put out a strong message that we will be seeking out those who are offending in this matter and will deal with them.

“We want residents to contact us with details of an untaxed vehicle and its location.

“Untaxed vehicles will be removed – not clamped. They will be taken to a secure compound and owners will have to pay to recover them.”

Motorists who stall getting their cars back could run up huge bills.

The cost soars from £100 within the first 24 hours to £200. Drivers then face a £21 a day storage charge.

They will also have to stump up for a tax disc before they get their vehicle back.

Unclaimed low value vehicles will be scrapped after seven days. More valuable cars will be scrapped or sold after a fortnight.

Tendring Council cannot remove cars from land associated with someone’s home, such as a driveway or privately-owned land.

The hotline is 01255 686799. Residents can also e-mail wcrusader @tendringdc.gov.uk