ROAD tax dodgers throughout Kent are to be targeted by new Stingray cameras which, for the first time, will detect unlicensed vehicles on the move. From this week as part of a national campaign, van-based camera units, manned by DVLA staff, will operate from lay-bys and over bridges hunting the tax cheats.

They will read the number plates of passing vehicles, check them immediately against DVLA records, and store electronically the images of those found to be unlicensed.

A spokesman for the DVLA says law abiding motorists have nothing to fear from the cameras and they will be used to target only those who evade paying their road tax.

He said: "Honest motorists are fed up with seeing the hard core who continually evade paying their road tax.

"Camera technology will be brought to bear in targeting these evaders, who will quickly realise the penalties for evasion are much greater that the cost of a vehicle excise licence."

Road tax cheats will face a fine of up to £1,000 for a car or motorcyle and up to £23,000 for a heavy goods vehicle, plus the back duty from when the vehicle was last licensed and costs. In Kent the total number of licensed vehicles is 808,224 and there are 45,000 unlicensed vehicles costing £5.5 million in lost revenue.