Numberplates and the congestion charge

The congestion charging system in London utilises automatic numberplate recognition in order to trace users and apply charges and fines accordingly.

Numberplate cloning and theft has had an impact on the congestion charge with a number of illegal vehicles accumulating fines and fees which are sent to innocent people which they must contest.

Although until this point the congestion charging system appears to be working and numberplate recognition seems to do the trick- the future holds a higher tech way of identifying users.
Singapore is one city which uses electronic transponders to charge road tolls directly to vehicles- thus completely side stepping the numberplate cloning / numberplate theft scenario

It remains to be seen when such advanced systems will appear in the UK but rest assured for the time being the humble numberplate will reign supreme.

See also..

numberplate recognition