Police officers will trial to an automatic number plate recognition system this summer.

One of the areas the system will be used to target is motorists driving cars that are un-taxed or not insured.

Home Affairs Minister Bill Malarkey said the move was part of the police’s ’ambitious digital strategy’ and, if the trial were a success, the system could be installed into patrol cars.

He added: ’This summer, automatic number plate recognition technology will be trialled by the constabulary using both a fixed camera system and a portable device.

’Few practical problems are anticipated and, subject to the trial being reviewed, it is anticipated that the use of the devices will become routine from later on this year.’

He added: ’Extending the use of ANPR technology into patrol vehicles will be subject to the successful completion of the trial and to financial considerations after the trial.’

Mr Malarkey was responding to a question in the House of Keys from David Ashford (Douglas North). He also gave an assurance that talks had taken place with the information commissioner and all the relevant legislation was in place to ensure there were no legal barriers to the use of the system.

The minister added: ’I can confirm that the technology will pull up any vehicles from the UK that are not taxed or insured and it will bring up any cars on the Isle of Man that are not actually road taxed.’