The number of untaxed vehicles is rising in Southampton with hundreds being clamped.

A total of 583 vehicles have so far been clamped this year, up from 384 in 2023, according to the DVLA.

Included in this year’s figures are 27 clamped untaxed motors in Eastleigh, compared with the 37 last year.

Fareham comes under the PO postcode area, but stats show there were 33 untaxed vehicles clamped in 2023 and 24 in 2024 so far. There are no figures available for New Forest.

Vehicles can be clamped for being overdue on tax payments, being uninsured, or being deemed hazardous to the road.

Commenting on the data, a spokesperson for the DVLA said: “Whilst over 98 per cent of vehicles are taxed correctly, DVLA is committed to keeping untaxed vehicles off our roads.

“We have a range of enforcement measures including fines and penalties and are working hard with our national wheel clamping partner to clamp untaxed vehicles.

“It is easy for drivers to pay their vehicle tax, including using our quick and accessible online services or spread the cost using Direct Debit.”

A vehicle that’s been removed as abandoned can be returned to the registered keeper within 10 days of its removal, according to Southampton City Council.

A spokesperson for the council said: “The fee for reclaiming your vehicle depends on how long it has been since your vehicle was removed.

“The vehicle will be returned to the place from which it was removed, within 48 hours of your request for its return.

“You will need to tax your vehicle within seven days or run the risk of it being removed again if it is left untaxed on the highway.”

NSL Services Ltd – The DVLA’s national wheel clamping contractor – local authorities, and the police all have powers to clamp vehicles.