London calls time on gas-guzzling vehicles with ANPR

London's Low Emissions Zone (LEZ) is using automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology to limit the number of high emissions vehicles entering the city.

The zone is designed to reduce the level of harmful diesel emissions produced by lorries and buses by charging to enter the area. Cars and motorcycles are exempt.

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CCTV cameras photograph number plates as vehicles enter the area and match them with information on a number of UK vehicle databases.

If a vehicle is found to produce greater emissions than the zone's permitted level, the system will check the daily charge has been paid.

The charge is £200 for vehicles not complying to Euro III levels for acceptable particle matter. Non-payment will lead to a penalty charge of £1,000, reduced to £500 if paid within 14 days.

The zone operates 24 hours every day of the year and is the largest of its type in the world.

The system uses data held by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, Vehicle and Operator Services Agency and Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, as well as vehicles registered with Transport for London (TfL).

The zone currently covers diesel-engine lorries of 12 tonnes or heavier while buses and vehicles of 3.5 tonnes or more will be included from 7 July.

London is among Europe's worst polluted cities and with seven out of 10 Londoners say they are concerned about traffic exhaust fumes, according to TfL.

The largest lorries emit between 25 and 40 times the level of harmful particle matter as the average family car for every kilometre driven.