Stingray cameras are being used during the campaign

Cleveland, Durham and Northumbria Police are joining forces with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency.

It is estimated there are around 64,000 unlicensed vehicles in the North East which means lost revenue of �7.1m.

During the campaign there will be extra DVLA wheel clamping and Stingray mobile camera units will be used across the region.

Police will carry out roadside checks and there will also be a hotline for the public to report unlicensed vehicles.

'Irresponsible group'

Transport Minister David Jamieson said: "Honest motorists are fed up with the small hard core who continually evade paying their road tax.

"We are determined to target this irresponsible group and are inviting the public's help in doing so."

Middlesbrough, Stockton and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Councils have all taken on DVLA powers to wheel clamp and impound unlicensed vehicles.

These powers have been extended to Hartlepool Borough Council during November.

As well as checking for unlicensed vehicles, police will also be on the on the look out for other road safety offences such as no MoT certificate or insurance.