New cameras will now target road tax cheats on the borough's roads with the aim of reducing the £190million in revenue lost every year.

The 'Stingray' cameras, fitted in vans on October 11 in London, will read number plates of passing cars and check them against DVLA records to see if it is properly taxed. Those caught will be sent letters demanding back duty or face fines of up £1,000 or up to £23,000 for a heavy goods vehicle.

The cameras are designed to be good enough to read number plates at night and can catch offenders travelling at more than 100mph.

The Association of London Government (ALG) and Transport for London is now also considering installing cameras to catch drivers who block yellow box junctions.

Local authorities across London are planning to launch the scheme within two years, designed to clear what the ALG believes is one of the biggest causes of congestion in the capital.

Any motorists caught illegally stopping in yellow box junctions when their exit lane is not clear will receive a penalty charge notice, fining them £80.

October 17, 2001 10:29