A controversial scheme targeting illegal immigrants was piloted in Barnet without the knowledge of the local authority.

Vans carrying billboards with the message ‘In the UK illegally? Go home or face arrest’ were driven around six London boroughs last week.

The Home Office pilot scheme, dubbed “#RacistVan” by opponents on Twitter, met opposition from some groups that disagreed with the tone of the billboards.

And this week, Barnet Borough Council revealed it was "not directly informed" the borough was being used as a location for the pilot.

Leaflets and posters were put up in Hounslow, Barking & Dagenham, Ealing, Brent, Redbridge and Barnet, where vans were driven around selected routes over a seven-day period.

The adverts also displayed a text hotline for free advice, and help with travel documents.

Councillor David Longstaff, cabinet member for safety and resident engagement at Barnet Council, said he was unconvinced the scheme was an effective way of getting the message across.

He said: “If it is so successful, why don’t they put billboards up to deter murderers too?

“I don’t know how they’re even going to measure the success of their actions. I have no problem with the van at all – illegal immigration is a serious problem.

“If there is a higher perception of illegal immigrants among the general population though, the scheme will have been a failure.

“But I imagine if you get 50 calls to the hotline it could be deemed a success.”