BURNLEY road tax cheats have been targeted in a special operation run by local police, the council and the DVLA.

As part of the crackdown, officers targeted vehicles known to be causing problems for both the police and the local community.

PCSO Nigel Keates and PCSO Catherine Clough co-ordinated the swoop, which was part of the wider police and council initiative Operation Red Card - set up to clean up the town and punish those who make it a mess by dumping rubbish and abandoning cars.

PCSO Clough said: "Previous clampdowns have proved extremely worthwhile and received widespread public support and recognition from law-abiding members of the community who are fed up with those flouting the law."

PCSO Keates added: "I hope this latest round of action will help to further reassure local residents that we are taking action against car tax cheats and I hope it will also serve as a warning to those not in possession of a valid road tax disc to be aware that further operations will be held this year."

During the week long campaign 29 cars were impounded and 17 fines issued.

Anyone who spots an out of date or missing road tax disk can now contact the new DVLA hotline on 08000 325202.