The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has issued an enforcement notice today ordering a police force to review its use of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.

Today’s decision follows the ICO’s investigation into Hertfordshire Constabulary’s extensive use of ANPR cameras surrounding the town of Royston. The use of these cameras has effectively made it impossible for anyone to drive their car in and out of Royston without a record being kept of the journey. The scheme is regularly referred to as ‘the ring of steel’.