The number of untaxed cars being clamped and seized in Wales has risen sharply over the past year.

A total of 8,240 cars were clamped for not displaying road tax in 2007-8, compared to 4,990 the previous year.

Of those, 2,469 were crushed, up from 1,840 in 2006-7, figures from the Swansea-based Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) show.

Officials said most vehicles crushed were of poor quality and low value, and in many cases were not roadworthy.

The figures were following a Freedom of Information request by Plaid Cymru AM Chris Franks, who represents South Wales Central.

However it is not only worthless cars that remain untaxed.

More than 800 luxury cars, including 16 Porsches, were clamped and impounded for non-payment of tax over two years.

The fine income generated from having an unlicensed vehicle totalled £11.4m over the past year.

Mr Franks said: "I fear that there are clear links with vehicles having no tax disc and a lack of insurance.

"The consequences for the law-abiding motorist and pedestrian can be devastating in the event of an accident.

"I'm also frankly amazed that hundreds of motorists who can afford to run very expensive cars such as BMWs and Porsches have been found not to have had a valid road fund tax licence."

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