Originally Posted by Rob

Many police forces have relatively few dedicated traffic cops these days. Most are tasked with multiple roles. One only has to watch programmes such as Channel 5's Interceptors to realise that the "specialist" traffic units are dealing with many other things, including tactical support to other other officers.

ANPR systems are a tool in the poilicing detection system, and as the TV fly on the wall series show do detect insurance issues, but they also have validity for other policing intelligence such as vehicles sucpected to be used in crime such as drugs, bruglary, etc.

But one does have to have concern that garage owners are to be expected to do a job that should be the police. OK, so manuy uninsured drivers may also be involved in other types of crime including the make off without payment of fuel, that costs garages. Perhaps thought this is another thin end of the wedge idea towards privatisation of policing functions. Oh and if a garage were to detect the uninsured driver, do they then have a power to detain that driver, or do they just hope the police will be available before the car drives off?