MOST Advertiser readers believe that scanning number plates is an effective use of police resources.

Last week, the Adver reported how Wiltshire Police had started using Automated Number Plate Recognition technology on a regular basis to check the number plates of cars travelling along the M4 motorway near Swindon.

The technology uses a van-mounted camera connected to a computer, which scans the number plates as they go by and checks to see if any crime is associated with the vehicle.

If the system brings up a match officers lying in wait in unmarked police cars and on motorbikes can stop the car and ask questions.

In a poll we asked if you thought the scheme was an effective use of resources.

Of those who voted, 54 per cent said using the technology was worthwhile, while the other 46 per cent said it was not.

Police can scan up to 12,000 cars each day, and can pick out unlicensed and untaxed vehicles and if these are spotted by the system new powers allow the police to seize the car and tow it away.

Already, some 40 cars have been seized this way. Sgt Jon Fairbairn who has been running the ANPR operations on the M4 said the system puts the police one step ahead of criminals.

He said: "It's a bit of mass production system, but it is great in terms of getting results."