A special operation has been launched to crack down on untaxed vehicles around Edinburgh.

Last year, the DVLA placed clamps on 2400 vehicles in and around the city after finding they had not been taxed.

A new operation to clamp and tow away vehicles began on Tuesday.

Officials say road tax avoidance cost the UK Government £80m in lost revenue last year, with just under 2% of all vehicles thought to be untaxed.

The DVLA's new Tax It or Lose It campaign urges drivers to pay up to avoid losing their vehicle.

Bethan Beasley, national wheel clamping manager at the DVLA, said: "We write to the keepers of all vehicles to remind them when their tax is due.

"That's why it's so important to let DVLA know if you've changed your address.

"We don't need to spot a vehicle on the road to take enforcement action but if we do, wheel clamping is an effective way to make sure that an untaxed vehicle is not driven on the road."

She added: "It's never been easier to tax your car so there really is no excuse.

"We would rather not have to clamp or remove vehicles but we do need people to understand the consequences of not taxing a vehicle.

"Having your vehicle clamped is expensive and inconvenient. Don't take the risk - it just isn't worth it."