Untaxed vehicles in Southend will be wheel-clamped under tough proposals revealed by the Government.

The move is just one of a range of measures ann-ounced by environment minister Lord Whitty in the House of Lords and should come into force before the end of the year.

Other measures include:

Reducing notice periods allowed by the council so abandoned vehicles can be moved more quickly

Giving the council better access to licensing records

Promoting exchanges of best practice between local authorities

Making changes to vehicle registration and licensing procedures to ensure greater accuracy of DVLA records.

Ann Holland, Southend's executive councillor for environmental and public protection, said: "We have always had a good record of dealing with abandoned cars in Southend and we have improved in recent times, but these extra powers will be a great help."

Published Monday November 4, 2002

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