A van belonging to a private wheel clamping company was recently clamped by Southend Council traffic wardens after it was found to have no road tax.

Southend Council staff towed and impounded the van after spotting it on a street in Southend, Essex, on Friday, said a council spokesman.

He added that the van was owned by a local company which clamps vehicles in car parks.

The van was later reclaimed after a fee had been paid, the spokesman added.

Apparently the company later claimed the reason for the vehicle being untaxed “was a clerical error”.