Rogue drivers have nowhere to hide on Kent’s roads.

New number plate recognition technology being piloted in Maidstone is targeting unlawful motorists quicker than ever before.

Kent Police patrol cars now receive a live feed of information from automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras.

It means officers are alerted to vehicles being used to commit crime sooner and can see live images of suspected vehicles. The cameras have access to a range of local and national databases.

Kent Police aims to extend the technology across Kent in the next six months.

The pilot started in September and now five cars are using the technology in Maidstone.

Kent Police's lead on ANPR Chief Inspector Richard Watson said: “The ANPR cameras read up to one million vehicle number plates each day.

“A small percentage of these are of interest to police. At the moment we rely on downloading and reviewing the data from the cameras, which could result in a small delay.

“The new technology enables us to react rapidly, in real time. It will give every patrol car fitted with a mobile data terminal the ability to become an intercept car and target those who choose to use our roads illegally.'

Although the cameras have only been in operation for a short time there has already been some evidence of success.

A disqualified driver was caught and arrested using ANPR. Subsequently during the investigation it was found the car had been involved in filling up with fuel and not paying for it on several occasions.

Officers were conducting an ANPR operation at a shopping centre in Kent when a car suspected of being involved in money laundering was picked up. A car was stopped and found to be carrying £80,000. A search of premises revealed a further £540,000.