New Delhi, India (zeber/Bigstock.com)

Delhi has launched a pollution-cutting scheme that has forced half of its private cars off the road. The 'odd-even' rule sees cars with an odd number plate permitted to drive only on odd numbered days – while those with even-numbered plates can only be driven on even numbered days.

The experimental scheme has been initiated in order to tackle Delhi's air pollution problem, which worsens in winter months.

Police in the Indian capital are doling out 2000RS (£20) fines to those who fail to comply with the new rules.

The new system was adopted on January 1st, backed up by volunteers who urged people to obey the rule. Civil Defence Force workers held up "pollution free Delhi" placards.

Could the odd-even system be applied in the UK?

London occasionally suffers smog problems, but the introduction of the odd-even system is unlikely to be welcomed in the British capital. London has little heavy industry compared to Delhi and the burning of crop stubble and cow dung (as cooking fuel) are not issues faced by the UK capital.

However, if pollution levels from traffic did create a serious smog problem, the introduction of an odd-even system cannot be ruled out.

Similar schemes have already been trialled in Beijing and Lagos, where wealthier residents simply bought another car with an alternate number plate, permitting them to drive seven days a week. One cannot help but think London's well-to-do motorists would do the same.

Do you think an odd-even number plate system would be workable in London? Let us know your thoughts below.