Road Tax Camera - wot is it ??
Discussion
What cameras are they using for this road tax checking gubbins - are they using existing infrastructure or new stuff ?
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Derek,
Listening to the radio the description of what they are doing in Kent (twin cameras, mounted in a "vehicle" which gets parked up on flyovers and lay bys 1 reads reg other looks for tax, if not seen cross references reg with DVLA database all in real time then issues ticket) It really sounds like when I posted the (2 really sneaky unmarked cars thread) a few weeks ago I'd actually seen a trial. Look out for a blue Freelander reg shown in other thread.
Listening to the radio the description of what they are doing in Kent (twin cameras, mounted in a "vehicle" which gets parked up on flyovers and lay bys 1 reads reg other looks for tax, if not seen cross references reg with DVLA database all in real time then issues ticket) It really sounds like when I posted the (2 really sneaky unmarked cars thread) a few weeks ago I'd actually seen a trial. Look out for a blue Freelander reg shown in other thread.
The system is called ANPR, an acronym for Automatic Number Plate Recognition, and exactly the same as the system used with the SPECS speed detection devices.
I am not aware of there being a separate camera looking for a tax disc (!!). I suspect that the system checks all cars with the DVLA as it is used to identify stolen and "known-felon" vehicles. There are plans to extend the system to identify uninsured vehicles, once the police have a comprehensive database available. I think that all law abiding motorists (including those who enjoy driving fast) should welcome this new system.
I am not aware of there being a separate camera looking for a tax disc (!!). I suspect that the system checks all cars with the DVLA as it is used to identify stolen and "known-felon" vehicles. There are plans to extend the system to identify uninsured vehicles, once the police have a comprehensive database available. I think that all law abiding motorists (including those who enjoy driving fast) should welcome this new system.
This was used on the A4 in Maidenhead recently. The system checks reg. nos. and compares them with the DVLC database, in real time I assume? It “caught” 35 un-taxed cars on that occasion. HOWEVER... As I see it the system is flawed in that, presumably, to follow-up these people requires the car to be correctly registered by the owner at the DVLC. So who will it catch? You, me and our kids when we occasionally forget to tax our cars for a few day. Who won’t it catch? The arse-hole who steels a car and drives it un-taxed and un-insured. So what’s the point??? I’ll tell you, more easy money for the Government and the Police, yet STILL no focus on the real menaces on our roads. 
I have to agree with rich. I received a final demand for payment and letters from a Peugeot Garage about a car i didn't own. I also recieved a log book for the same car from the DVLA with a different name buit my address on it. It was clear the git used my address to buy a used car on the never-never and to tax it and then did a runner.
The kind of people that deliberatly try tax fraud on their cars are not going to drive along with the original number plates and their name and address correct on the DVLA records.
Could this be another "big brother" sneeking in the back door?
The kind of people that deliberatly try tax fraud on their cars are not going to drive along with the original number plates and their name and address correct on the DVLA records.
Could this be another "big brother" sneeking in the back door?
Actually, there is a police car (or, possibly, police cars) sited a mile or so past the ANPR camera in order to stop offending vehicles.
The inappropriate use of speed detection devices is one thing but, I do not see how you can possibly have a rational objection to untaxed and uninsured drivers being stopped.
In addition, if your stolen car is identified by one of these devices and recovered, presumably with the thief inside, would you not consider this to be a good thing?
The inappropriate use of speed detection devices is one thing but, I do not see how you can possibly have a rational objection to untaxed and uninsured drivers being stopped.
In addition, if your stolen car is identified by one of these devices and recovered, presumably with the thief inside, would you not consider this to be a good thing?
I've had a letter this morning from DVLA saying thet I have been reported as the registered keeper of a vehicle W*** *** for using it without tax at 6am one morning on the A2. A fair cop maybe but the only flaw is I have no idea who's vehicle it is as it most certainly is not mine & never has been.
Anyway the forms gone back with the boxes crossed through and the following statement "The above vehicle is not and never has been either owned or registered to me. It is not under my control or in my use." Maybe this new gadgetis not as good as it's meant to be!, lets wait and see.
Anyway the forms gone back with the boxes crossed through and the following statement "The above vehicle is not and never has been either owned or registered to me. It is not under my control or in my use." Maybe this new gadgetis not as good as it's meant to be!, lets wait and see.
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Actually, there is a police car (or, possibly, police cars) sited a mile or so past the ANPR camera in order to stop offending vehicles.
The inappropriate use of speed detection devices is one thing but, I do not see how you can possibly have a rational objection to untaxed and uninsured drivers being stopped.
In addition, if your stolen car is identified by one of these devices and recovered, presumably with the thief inside, would you not consider this to be a good thing?
If what you say is true then I agree, however I have absolutly zero faith in the Police to use these devices appropriately. They may well place a car further down the road on occasions when perhaps a local paper or the regional news is doing a piece on crime in the counties, the rest of the time it will simply perform as a revenue collection device with follow-up via the mail to legitamate motorists.
Neville, absolutly agree. I have nothing against catching insurance and tax dodgers. However the point I was making was that this camera technique is probably not the best way of doing it. I would have thought using a computer with the DVLA finding likely suspects would be more efficient.
How do you nick a car without insurance with a tax camera? (it may be taxed correctly but no insurance)
How do you nick a car without insurance with a tax camera? (it may be taxed correctly but no insurance)
smeagol.. to catch a car without insurance would be easy with a camera and cop car 1/2 a mile ahead... the reg would be cross refed with the dvla and insurance database...
But i think Rich has a point that esp for the car tax the likely chance of a patrol car being around is unlike except when there is a publicity stunt going.. like he says it is more likely going to catch the person that forgets to pay there tax because its easy revenue... shame really
But i think Rich has a point that esp for the car tax the likely chance of a patrol car being around is unlike except when there is a publicity stunt going.. like he says it is more likely going to catch the person that forgets to pay there tax because its easy revenue... shame really
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Providing there is a period of grace, say 2 weeks, then this scheme should be welcomed.
Exactly - and there isn't. In the Maidenhead Advertiser they placed a 1/3 page colour advert (depicting Batmobile not sure why?) and it proudly proclaimed "Nowhere to run - nowhere to hide" and no degree of leniency.
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