An old van used as a roadside advert has been towed away by police - because it hasn't been taxed for more than 25 years.
The vehicle, which displayed advertising for a local scrap metal merchants, was parked up on a grass verge next to a busy route in Warrington, Cheshire.
But DVLA records revealed the van hasn't been taxed for 26 years, according to Cheshire Police, who helped remove it from one of the main routes in and out of the town.
A photograph released by the force shows the red van being loaded onto the back of a flatbed lorry.
Explaining why they had decided to remove the vehicle, a police spokesman said: "The grass verge is classed as part of the highway therefore it is a legal requirement to be taxed."
The untaxed van was first spotted towards the end of last week near Walton Hall and Gardens, a beauty spot popular with families.
Motorists who do not pay tax on their vehicle can face financial penalties, court action and may have their vehicles clamped or impounded, according to the DVLA.
While more than 98 per cent of vehicles are correctly taxed, the DVLA say they regularly take enforcement action against those who "continue to break the law and evade taxing their vehicle".
Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), commonly known as car tax, increased in line with Retail Price Index (RPI) inflation of 10.1% on April 1.
An exemption has been given to electric cars and vans, which will remain tax-exempt until 2025.
Drivers who are unsure of their own tax rate can visit GOV.UK to find out the technical details of their vehicle.
