A BLITZ on road tax-dodging car owners netted nearly 200 drivers in a week, police said today.

And many of those caught were risking people's lives by driving "death-traps".

Out of the 193 caught, 130 were in the Griffithstown area.

"Often the drivers of these cars just don't bother to get insurance and the vehicle is not fit to pass an MOT - they are death-traps," said PC Andy Cleaton, Pontypool's crime and disorder reduction officer.

The joint police and DVLA operation saw 159 illegal vehicles caught on a special number-plate recognition camera and a further 34 were spotted by police and community support officers patrolling streets in Trevethin and Blaenavon.

Officers clamped a total of 24 vehicles, and informed DVLA of another 10 vehicles without tax.

PC Cleaton said: "Some of the cars involved were displaying tax discs up to a year-and-a-half out of date."

Those who have their cars clamped have 24 hours to pay £80 to have it removed, and a £120 surety on the tax owing.

If the vehicle is not claimed and paid for within 14 days, it is impounded and crushed.

"In two cases, the owners threatened to remove the clamp themselves, so we impounded the vehicles straight away," added PC Cleaton.

He said Gwent Police and DVLA were continuing their operation in the Cwmbran area this week.

A spokesperson for DVLA said: "Around a third of motorists who do not tax their vehicles are also committing other offences, such as no insurance, no MoT, bald tyres, and are highly likely to be disqualified drivers.

"There is also a direct correlation between untaxed vehicles, road safety, motoring offences and anti-social behaviour."

There are an estimated 6,000 untaxed vehicles on the road in Gwent, costing the Exchequer £600,000 per year.

A total of 287 vehicles have been caught in Gwent since September 13.

A road tax tip-off line can be contacted on 08000 325202.