There are more than 5,000 untaxed cars on the streets of Portsmouth

The DVLA estimates that there are more than 5,000 vehicles without valid tax discs on the streets of the city.

The problem used to be dealt with by the DVLA but from 6 January, the city council have the power to remove cars.

It says any vehicle parked on public roads, with overdue tax of 28 days or more, can be clamped and removed and the owner fined.

Alex Bentley, the executive member for traffic and transportation, said: "Many people do not realise that until now, the city council has not had responsibility for removing untaxed vehicles from our streets.

"We feel sure that this new authority will allow us to act increasingly quickly in dealing with this problem.

"We plan to enforce these powers vigorously, because untaxed vehicles are a source of considerable annoyance to law-abiding residents who are willing to take responsibility for keeping their own cars within the law."