News

Operation Cubit

Operation Cubit is run by Kent Police and Shepway District Council in partnership with Kent County Council and the DVLA and is also funded by Kent Fire & Rescue Service.

Operation Cubit is in its seventh year in South Kent and in that time, has been responsible for ridding more than 3000 untaxed vehicles from the area's streets.

Any vehicles found, or reported to be untaxed or abandoned during the operation are checked with the DVLA, then clamped and removed to be stored in a local holding area.

Any vehicle that is not claimed within 14 days is destroyed in a crusher into the shape of a cube, hence the name of the operation "cube - it".

A total of 44 vehicles were lifted in the week-long operation, with seven owners paying at the roadside to update their tax.

Shepway District Commander, Acting Chief Inspector Joe Bushnell said: "Operation Cubit is another good example of how we're working in partnership with other agencies to tackle issues that are of concern to local people."

"The majority of car owners who do tax their vehicles get increasingly angered by others who flout the law at their expense." He added.

Jyotsna Leney, Crime Reduction Manager at Shepway District Council says the council works in partnership with Kent Police through the Shepway Community Safety Unit and Operation Cubit is just one example of the partnership's success.

"As well as breaking the law, untaxed and abandoned cars can be a target for vandalism. This, in turn can spoil how a road or area looks - so the latest cubit is good news all round. Our Environment Community Officers worked hard in this successful operation." She said.

The DVLA state that nationally, road tax evaders cost the Exchequer millions of pounds each year.