THERE will be no hiding place for motorists dodging their car tax in Worcestershire and Herefordshire.

West Mercia Constabulary has launched a campaign, with the DVLA, to catch tax cheats red-handed.

From today the police will step up the number of roadside checks carried out to catch not only those evading tax but also anyone committing other road safety offences, such as having no MOT or no insurance.

The DVLA will be using new "Stingray" cameras to detect unlicensed vehicles on roads around the two counties.

They can be operated from anywhere and can read the number plates of vehicles travelling at speeds of over 100mph.

Anyone caught this way could face prosecution, with fines of up to £1,000 for cars and motorbikes and £23,000 for a heavy goods vehicle.

The DVLA will also be bringing in wheelclamping hit squads, to patrol the streets targeting unlicensed cars.

Motorists clamped for not having a valid tax disc will have to pay £200 to release the clamp and if the vehicle is not claimed within 24 hours, it will be towed away to a pound, and the release fee will increase. Vehicles left unclaimed after 14 days will be crushed.

The wheelclampers will also be at the police check-points and any unlicensed cars will be clamped on the spot.

"In West Mercia alone, road tax evaders cost the community some £4.5m a year in lost revenue," said Insp David Perridge, of West Mercia Constabulary road policing team.

"This offensive is also vital in helping the police to track down travelling criminals and improve safety on the roads."