Press release 5: Saving time saving lives

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has teamed up with Avon and Somerset Constabulary to warn motorists that they could be unnecessarily stopped by police if they do not update their driving licence and Vehicle Registration Certificate details. Motorists are being reminded to update their driving documents when their personal details, such as name, address, or vehicle details change.

Police use Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) across the region in a bid to catch criminals on the roads. Avon and Somerset Constabulary check vehicles every day using ANPR, with information such as personal and vehicle details checked to help identify suspicious vehicles.

ANPR is also integrated into the CCTV systems of Bath and Bristol. This means that CCTV cameras in the city will be able to pick up number plates of cars reported as stolen, those being driven without documentation or by disqualified drivers, and those tagged as being used by wanted criminals.

DVLA provides the police with a database showing vehicles that are untaxed or do not have any current keeper details. ANPR scans number plates and checks them against this information and several other databases. If a car has been used in a burglary, robbery or is stolen, it will be flagged up by the system and may become subject to police enquiries. If the details are inaccurate or have not been updated, the vehicle may be flagged against these databases and stopped by police. This causes inconvenience to the police and to the driver who is stopped. By simply making sure that details are correct, this can easily be avoided.

Acting Superintendent Tony Oliver, Road Policing Unit, Avon and Somerset Constabulary, said: “ANPR technology enables the police to gain information about a car quickly and accurately and identify suspicious vehicles. It is a waste of time for the motorist and the police if they are stopped because information held on a database about them is inaccurate. If the law abiding public make sure their details are correct we can concentrate on catching the criminals.”

Make sure you don’t waste your time or police time and update your DVLA details today. For more information visit www.direct.gov.uk/motoring

Interviews available on request.

Notes to editors:

• DVLA is an Executive Agency of the Department for Transport (DfT)
• DVLA is responsible for issuing documents and keeping records for all drivers and vehicles in Great Britain. DVLA also collects and enforces payments of Vehicle Excise Duty (VED).
• DVLA has launched the ‘Update Your Details’ campaign to remind all UK drivers to update their driving licence and vehicle registration details when their personal details change i.e. name and/or address
  

For more information please contact:
Charlotte Davies
Tel: 020 7299 8748
Email: charlotte.davies@geronimocommunications.com