The owners of the cars have two weeks to pay up

Police and officials from the DVLA swooped on Blaenymaes on Tuesday morning and impounded 10 cars without tax discs in just an hour.

It was the latest in a series of operations in the area to tackle motoring offences.

Blaenymaes is one of the most deprived areas in the city and a new dedicated Communities First police team working there is taking a zero tolerance approach following complaints from residents.

The response from the people of Blaenymaes has been very positive Constable Barry Jones

On Tuesday they clamped and towed away the offending vehicles after telling the owners they had two weeks to settle the outstanding tax.

Those who fail to pay will have to say goodbye to their cars which will be crushed.

Barry Jones, who led the operation, said: "This policing team is committed to ensuring that vehicles without tax in the Blaenymaes and Penlan areas are targeted in order to ensure the safety of residents.

"In a number of operations over the last 18 months we have continued to reiterate our road safety messages and we will maintain our zero tolerance stance."

Off-road bikes

Last year seven Community First teams were established by South Wales Police, who have 44 of the 90 most deprived wards in Wales in their area.

More than 70 untaxed or dangerous vehicles have been removed from roads in the Blaenymaes area since the initiative began.

In separate operations young off-road motor bikers have had their vehicles confiscated because of the nuisance caused to neighbours.

Taxis failing to comply with licensing regulations have also been targeted.