Previously delays have slowed down investigations into criminal gangs involved in smuggling people, illicit drugs and illegal weapons into the UK.

UK police will now be able to carry out number plate checks through the EU’s Prüm data-sharing framework and receive results in around 10 seconds, instead of having to make individual requests to EU Member States. If a match is found the system provides vehicle keeper details and other key information, while also flagging stolen vehicles.

This builds on the UK’s existing participation in the Prüm framework, which already enables the sharing of DNA and fingerprint data with European partners.

Crime and Policing Minister Sarah Jones said: "This gives British police faster access to vital information and strengthens our work with European partners.

"Officers will be able to quickly link vehicles to suspects, spot stolen or cloned cars, and track the movements of smugglers across borders.

"For criminals, the message is simple: you can’t outrun the law by crossing borders. We will find you and bring you to justice."

Detective Chief Constable Peter Ayling, National Policing Lead for International Crime at the NPCC, said: "The ability to access keeper details of EU-registered vehicles is a welcome addition to a suite of other capabilities that help the UK tackle international crime.

"Crime is increasingly a global issue, and a swift and effective approach to exchanging information and intelligence with EU partners is critical for public protection."