MORE than 20 untaxed and abandoned vehicles were clamped in New Milton last week.

Officers from Hampshire Constabulary teamed up with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and New Forest District Council to carry out an operation in the town on Wednesday, April 5.

As part of the initiative, a total of 26 vehicles were clamped, while another was seized by officers as it had no tax, MOT or insurance.

Several people were also issued with fines and penalty notices.

PCSO Rosie Dimmer, who is based in New Milton, said: “This operation was carried out in response to complaints by residents about vehicles parked and left in various roads around the town.

“As a result of the joint efforts of the agencies involved, we have dealt with a number of offences and sent a warning to anyone looking to abandon vehicles in the area.”

The operation was carried out days before 12 vehicles were clamped in St Clement's Road, Borthwick Road and Churchill Road in Boscombe as part of a similar scheme.

Stickers left on windscreens of the cars read: "Stop: Do not attempt to move this untaxed vehicle.

"It is an offence to interfere with the wheel clamp. It is an offence to remove this notice."