MOTORISTS who drive in Bury with no insurance, tax or a valid licence face having their cars seized in a crackdown launched this week by police in the town.

Officers will be carrying out routine checks using the state-of-the-art Automated Number Plate Recognition System as well as the new Motors Insurers Information Centre database.

Anyone not taxed or registered as insured will automatically trigger an alert to officers, who will then stop the vehicle. If drivers are then unable to provide proof of insurance, a valid licence, or if they are not displaying a valid tax disc, they will have their vehicle seized and impounded.

To reclaim their vehicles, owners will have to provide the relevant documents, plus a fee of £105 and a £12 storage charge per day. These fees will be in addition to a £200 fixed penalty notice, or a court fine.

Insp Andy Eckersley from the North Manchester and Bury Policing Unit said: "The message we are sending to these people is very clear use a motor vehicle without a valid licence or insurance policy and you will have your vehicle seized and impounded."