An operation targeting untaxed vehicles, which took place during January and February, detected over 1,000 untaxed vehicles across Northern Ireland.
Figures just published reveal that a total of 1,074 unlicensed vehicles were clamped during the New Year operation.
'Operation Evader' was run jointly by the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) and the Police and targeted vehicles that were untaxed for more than 28 days.
In Police F-District, which includes Fermanagh and Omagh, 123 untaxed vehicles were detected.
Talking about the operation, Environment Minister Sammy Wilson commended all those involved in the operation to remove untaxed vehicles from our roads.
"Unlicensed vehicles are a menace. Many are unroadworthy and they present a real danger to all road users and pedestrians.
"By taking them off our roads, we are making Northern Ireland safer for everyone. The success of Operation Evader shows just how determined the authorities are to tackle the problem and we will continue to fight it."
The DVA Chief Executive, Seamus Magee said that the authorities owed it to law abiding citizens who pay their motor tax to remove the vehicles of those who will not.
"The recent rise in the rate of evasion of motor tax in Northern Ireland, from 2.3% in 2007 to 2.6% in 2008, has highlighted the continuing problem of a small, hard core of offenders determined to try to avoid payment," he said.
"In spite of our success in driving down the rate of evasion from 10% in 2002, motor tax evasion is now over 3.5 times higher than in the rest of the UK.
"It's not just about collecting the tax due. Very often, the vehicles detected with no tax also have no insurance or no current test certificate and are, therefore, potentially unroadworthy.
Inspector Gary McComb, PSNI Roads Policing said: "Untaxed and unregistered vehicles are difficult to trace and are often used by criminals, uninsured and unlicensed drivers who engage in erratic and dangerous driving. For everyone's safety, it is essential that we detect and remove these vehicles and drivers from our roads."
He explained that police now also have the power to seize uninsured vehicles, as well as vehicles causing alarm, distress or annoyance.
"Our message is very clear. If you are detected driving an untaxed or uninsured vehicle on the road, the vehicle can be seized on the spot and you will face the full rigor of the law."
Under legislation enacted last October, the DVA was given increased powers, including the clamping and removal of vehicles in any public place such as car parks and unadopted roads.
Mr Magee reminded all motorists to ensure that their vehicles are taxed before taking them out on the road or parking them in a public place.
He also urged all road users to check that their vehicles are insured and tested as part of the licensing process.
The DVA Chief Executive concluded: "With enforcement action taking place across Northern Ireland and with all areas being targeted, the combined effort of DVA's wheelclamping contractor, NCP Services and PSNI will ensure there will be no hiding place for unlicensed vehicles."
