Press release 9: Saving time saving lives

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has teamed up with Kent Police to warn motorists that they could be unnecessarily stopped by police if they do not update their driving licence and Vehicle Registration Certificate details.

Police use Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) increasingly across the country for many purposes, including the detection of uninsured and untaxed vehicles on the roads. Motorists are being reminded to update their driving documents when their personal details such as name, address, or vehicle details change.

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 the driver who is stopped. By simply making sure that details are correct, this can easily be avoided.

Linda Weaver, Head of DVLA’s Accuracy Coordination Group, said:

“We are encouraging motorists to MOT their paperwork in the same way they MOT their car. Keeping your driving documents up to date is as important as checking that your car is roadworthy. Advanced 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 then the Police 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