A system set up by the DVLA to counter number plate crimes is not being utilised by the police forces it was set up to help says a new report by Auto Express.

If a vehicle is stopped twice for failing to meet the standard number plate regulations, that number plate can be rescinded by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. But a freedom of information request by the leading Automotive trade publication has found that of the 625 traffic offence reports related to number plates between 2015 and 2020, there were only 109 instances of number plates being rescinded and many of the police forces who responded to the request admitted they don’t liaise with the DVLA.

“Enforcing the proper display of number plates only works when the DVLA and police forces complete the correct paperwork and tell each other what’s happening. Clearly some forces have stopped doing so,” said Jack Cousens, head of roads policy at the AA

“Effective roads policing can help tackle wider crimes such as drug trafficking and robbery. This is yet another example of traffic offences falling down the pecking order when it comes to police priorities.”

Whilst on paper it appears that the police forces are failing to crack down on the issue, the National Police Chiefs’ Council are backing the policy and are keen to see it enforced.

“Effective information sharing is an integral part of our roads policing strategy.” It added: “We regularly review our information-sharing processes, and are committed to doing everything we can to make these processes as efficient as possible,” said a statement from the organisation.

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