More than 200 fines have already been issued as a result of the heavy goods vehicle (HGV) levy.

Statistics compiled by the Department for Transport showed around 215 lorries were stopped and penalised for non-compliance of the tax, which came into force on April 1st. Drivers face a penalty of £300 if they are caught using the road without paying the charge.

The government stated more than 92,000 levies have been purchased since the start of the legislation, while 78,000 HGVs have been registered. The law is being enforced at the roadside through targeted stops and as part of existing road safety measures.

Minister for transport Robert Goodwill commented: "Before the levy was introduced, foreign hauliers could fill up their tanks abroad, make their deliveries and return home without making any UK tax contribution, which was unfair on UK hauliers."

The Freight Transport Association praised the new tax, stating it went some way to correct the supposed imbalance in policy which favoured European operators.