The highest number of untaxed vehicles were found in London last year, with 97,013 enforcement actions, including fines, penalties and clamping recorded by the DVLA.

Birmingham came second with 52,073, while Manchester came third with 28,703.

The DVLA said over 98% of vehicles are correctly taxed. But as part of its campaign to clampdown on road tax evasion, it will visit 20 UK regions with the highest rates to highlight the risks.

Owners could face penalties, fines, have their vehicle clamped or lose their wheels altogether.

When an untaxed vehicle is clamped, owners are charged a £100 release fee.

If they can’t show it’s been taxed when it has been released, they have to pay a surety fee of £160, refunded within 15 days if they can prove they’ve bought tax.

Where a release fee isn’t paid within 24 hours, the DVLA can impound the vehicle and the fee rises to £200. Motorists also face a storage charge of £21 a day, with a £160 surety fee applicable too.

To declare a car as SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification), it must be kept off the road and on private land instead.

DVLA chief executive, Julie Lennard, said: “This campaign has a clear message for anyone that delays or avoids taxing their vehicle.

“It really has never been easier to tax a vehicle, from using our 24/7 online service to direct debit options. We want motorists to understand that’s it not worth taking a risk and always tax their vehicles on time.”

Visit the DVLA to tax a vehicle or check whether their vehicle tax is up to date.