A spike in clamped vehicles in the Norwich area has been explained after 50 vehicles were locked up or impounded in a crackdown on untaxed motors.

Owners of the untaxed vehicles have 24 hours to pay a £100 fine or run the risk of their transportation being impounded.

The DVLA's (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) partner NSL Services carried out the checks as part of its enforcement activity in Norwich last month.

Norwich Evening News: One of the fifty cars clamped by the DVLA and NSL around the cityOne of the fifty cars clamped by the DVLA and NSL around the city (Image: Submitted)

READ MORE: CCTV released after string of car thefts in Norwich

The action taken by NSL involves travelling to different areas of the country to clamp or impound any untaxed vehicles.

Vehicles are impounded after 24 hours and can be sold, or destroyed, after seven days of unpaid storage.

A spokeswoman for the DVLA said: "As part of its day-to-day enforcement activities, DVLA's national wheel clamping partner - NSL - goes to different areas of the country to clamp or impound any untaxed vehicles seen.

Norwich Evening News: Owners of impounded vehicles have 24 hours to pay £100 to have it released, or it could be sold or destroyed after seven days of storageOwners of impounded vehicles have 24 hours to pay £100 to have it released, or it could be sold or destroyed after seven days of storage (Image: Archant)

"While more than 98pc of vehicles on the road are taxed correctly, it is right that we take action against those who break the law and don't tax their vehicle."

The DVLA ditched paper tax discs in October 2014 as it moved to a digital system, making all tax records available to view online.

The government agency operates a range of enforcement measures including fines and penalties, in addition to clamping vehicles.

Norwich Evening News: The DVLA operates a range of enforcement measures including fines and penalties, in addition to clamping vehicles The DVLA operates a range of enforcement measures including fines and penalties, in addition to clamping vehicles (Image: Getty Images)

READ MORE: Historic boat spotted moored up outside Ribs of Beef Norwich

Vehicles can be clamped for having no taxation in a public road, even if it is declared as having a statutory off-road notification (Sorn), or not in a public road if it has not been declared Sorn.

If the vehicle has been moved, owners are advised to contact the police on 101 or call NSL to find out where it's been taken.

Owners can also pay a 'surety' deposit if they don't tax the vehicle before it gets released.

This can cost £160 for cars or motorcycles and up to £700 for other vehicles.