NO exceptions, no excuses and no escape is the hard-hitting message to road tax cheats in Worcestershire.

The warning comes from the DVLA as it launches a UK-wide crackdown on tax dodgers with the use of its new Stingray cameras.

Only 10 of the high-tech instruments are so far operating around the country, and one is now established in Worcestershire, to clamp down on licence evaders.

This latest cutting-edge technology detects untaxed cars while they are on the move and snaps the unsuspecting motorists as evidence of the crime.

The portable cameras are set to operate from laybys and over bridges and read the number plates of passing vehicles.

Electronic

Then, having registered the car, it scans the DVLA database and stores an electronic image of the offending vehicle. A letter can then be sent to offenders asking them to pay the back duty or face further prosecution.

The cameras are moved around the country in an unmarked van and can be quickly assembled by the roadside.

If road tax cheats are caught by this quick new system, people can expect to face a fine of up to a £1,000 for a car or motorcycle or up to £23,000 for a heavy goods vehicle.

"Honest motorists are infuriated at having to subsidise road tax cheats, it is a constant source of resentment," said Terry Barnard, head of enforcement for DVLA.

He believes this new hardline enforcement will be a determined effort to clamp down on what he calls an irresponsible group that evades paying tax.

Unlike speed safety cameras, they do not run out of film and can capture number plates of vehicles travelling at speeds of more than 100 mph. The Stingray system is also capable of working both night and day.