More speed cameras are being introduced onto Britain’s road, but some problems have cropped up. The UK ANPR system is supposed to scan number plates and alert police if a car is stolen, hasn’t got a valid tax disc or MoT, or if the driver is uninsured. It is also supposed to check whether there is a warrant for the arrest of the driver.
The main problem is that the databases the technology uses are not accurate. The DVLA is currently improving its road tax database and computerising MoT tests, but although some people can now renew their road tax online, there are not many MoT centres handing out the new style computerised certificates.
Catching uninsured drivers relies on police having access to an up to date database from insurance companies. But the person behind the wheel is not always the registered keeper of the vehicle and could still not be insured to drive it.
The cloning of number plates, already encouraged in London by the Congestion Charge, is also likely to increase as a consequence of ANPR, which must be terrible for the owners of the vehicles cloned.
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