Hertfordshire motorists will be tracked by number-plate recognition cameras due to be introduced on main roads across the county.

The ANPR cameras will be used to survey traffic movements, though council bosses claim the system will not be used to stockpile information about individual drivers.

Stuart Pile, executive member for highways and transport, said: “The cameras will be used to check how traffic moves on and between main routes. This will ultimately help us identify areas where we need to make improvements to the roads, to ease congestion and improve journey times.”

The cameras will be installed over the next two years and will also be used to track illegal drivers and stolen vehicles.