Just watched a TV program about UK Traffic Cops in Portsmouth. Until a couple of years ago, because driving without a licence, tax, MOT or insurance was not an arrestable offence, any drivers caught without documents were issued with a 'producer' - they had 7 days to take their documents to a Police Station for inspection. In most cases they didn't bother turning up and nothing was done. More recently the worst case scenario was that they would get a fixed penalty fine.
Now the law has changed. Due to computer and telecoms technology, automatic license plate recognition systems, plus cross referencing license, Tax and Insurance data, within seconds illegally operated vehicles are identified and ARE confiscated on the spot.
The driver then has 14 days to produce proof of tax/license/insrance pay £105 tow charge and £14 per day storage or the car gets crushed.
The look on their faces when they were expecting a 'producer' and the flat back turned up was golden !
In the UK they estimate that 20% of motor vehicles are untaxed and uninsured. A lot of vehicles are not registered and are used as 'crime pool' cars for robberies etc.
The Cops were elated that at last they had some teeth to deal with these criminals who have in the past just got away with it.
