Officers said that nearly 50 cars were also clamped in the operation organised by police and the DVLA.

The operation ran from 17 January in Spelthorne. Acting borough inspector Alan Sproston said law-breakers' vehicles could be removed and crushed.

He said: "The community should not have to accept abandoned and unroadworthy vehicles littering the streets."

Police said it was a known fact that a number of vehicles used in crime are not taxed or registered in the name of the current user.

The Surrey force is planning further similar campaigns to enforce road tax laws and track down stolen vehicles.