Fleets operating in Italy must now pay congestion charges in Milan after it followed London’s lead by introducing financial penalties rather than banning the most polluting vehicles, as Germany will do.

Cars entering the new three-square-mile zone on working days between 7.30am and 7.30pm will be charged between £1.50 and £7.50 depending on engine type.

Electric and hybrid vehicles can enter for free.

However, some Italian drivers have already discovered novel ways of evading charges applied in other urban centres.

One report said motorists were reversing into congestion zones so that on camera they appeared to be leaving.