New 'Stingray' cameras, used by the DVLA to detect unlicensed vehicles on the move, are to be deployed in Dyfed-Powys.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency is joining forces with Dyfed-Powys Police for a clampdown on tax disc dodgers, who evade paying millions of pounds of Vehicle Excise Duty each year.

Two weeks of extensive publicity kicked-off on Tuesday encouraging all motorists to check that their vehicles are properly licensed and, if not, to re-license them immediately.

Mobile camera units staffed by DVLA will operate throughout Dyfed-Powys. DVLA wheel-clamping units will also be in the area, with tax evaders running the risk of having their vehicle clamped at the roadside and removed to a compound.

The Stingray camera vans will operate from lay-bys and bridges, with the capacity to move quickly from place to place, day and night. They will read the number plates of passing vehicles, check them immediately against DVLA records, and store electronically the images of those found to be unlicensed.

Dyfed-Powys Police will be focusing on enforcement activity, to ensure that vehicles are displaying current licence discs. Officers will also be on the look out for motorists committing other offences.

Sgt. Andrew Miles, of the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing, said: "We welcome this initiative and opportunity to enhance our partnership with the DVLA. It will act as a deterrent to people tempted to drive unlicensed vehicles, and will also make a significant contribution to road safety in Dyfed-Powys. Lots of the people who duck out of getting a tax disc also drive around with no insurance or MOT certificate, and commit other offences like driving with defective tyres."

He added: "In addition to these people putting other's lives at risk, there is a very real link between excise evasion and all levels of criminal behaviour."

Of nearly 28m licensed vehicles in Great Britain, there are more than 256,000 in Dyfed-Powys. However, it's estimated that the county could have as many as 17,000 unlicensed vehicles - a revenue loss of £1.8m.

Penalties for Tax evasion are much greater than the cost of a tax disc. Offenders face a fine of up to £1,000 for a private car or motorcycle, and up to £23,000 for a heavy goods vehicle. In addition to a fine, convicted offenders will have to pay back-duty penalties from the date the vehicle was last licensed.