How else do you determine who owns a particular car bearing a certain VRM ? PNC links directly into the DVLA computer and so brings up instant details of the vehicle and the registered keeper.
I could certainly imagine that traffic officers
Yes it is - see above. It's the only way to facilitate the sending out of the S172 forms.
(Who staffs these,
In most forces, speed camera administration is dealt with in a CTO (Central Ticket Office) - usually manned mainly by civilians but supervised by a police officer. This is a generality - I cannot speak for all forces.
Likewise, I am sure that
Well - I suppose this follows the general principles of 'disclosure' - ie the prosecution must disclose to the defence all the evidence they intend to use prior the court case. But if there's not going to be a court case then disclosure does not apply. What you appear to be arguing for is an arrangement where a defendent can say, "I'm not pleading guilty or not guilty until I see the strength of evidence you have against me." I'm not sure that is in the interest of anyone except the suspect. It may cost pennies to send out a photograph - but that would set a precedent that would lead to suspects demanding full 'disclosure' of prosecution evidence in all cases prior to a plea.
Indeed!
Kev
