Digital cameras are being used to read number plates

Forces across the North West were taking part in the operation to track down some of the 168,000 who have not paid their road tax, costing the region an estimated �19.6m a year.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has warned they intend to make sure there is "no hiding place" for drivers breaking the law.

Digital cameras, known as Stingray, have been enlisted to automatically read car number plates so a check can be made as to whether tax has been paid.

Roadside checks will also be carried out and DVLA wheelclamping units will be patrolling the streets.

�23,000 fines

Drivers have been warned they face a �200 fee if they are clamped for having no road tax.

Police units in Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside and Cheshire will also be checking for other offences committed by drivers, such as having no insurance or MoT certificate.

Car drivers and motorcyclists face fines of up to �1,000 for not paying their road tax, while they increase to up to �23,000 for lorries.

In Greater Manchester there are an estimated 70,000 untaxed vehicles, with �8.6m in lost revenue.

There are thought to be 42,000 unlicensed vehicles in Lancashire, costing the county �4.6m.

And in Merseyside 23,000 road tax dodgers have cost �2.7m in lost revenue.