Why do we show numberplates?
Discussion
Other than to avoid getting done for a minor offence, why do we show numberplates?
Is it because traditionally we were happy to provide police with identification marks on our cars to show how we're all law abiding citizens with nothing to hide? Crucially we did this because the authorities could be trusted not to abuse this information.
But that's not the case now is it? With increasing automatic numberplate recognition systems applying the speed tax widely and unfairly, and with the numbers of these devices set to carry on increasing, isn't it time we collectively withdrew our permission?
It would be interesting to see the reaction if someone organised a no numberplate day.
SM
Is it because traditionally we were happy to provide police with identification marks on our cars to show how we're all law abiding citizens with nothing to hide? Crucially we did this because the authorities could be trusted not to abuse this information.
But that's not the case now is it? With increasing automatic numberplate recognition systems applying the speed tax widely and unfairly, and with the numbers of these devices set to carry on increasing, isn't it time we collectively withdrew our permission?
It would be interesting to see the reaction if someone organised a no numberplate day.
SM
jazzyjeff said:
It would be interesting to see the reaction if someone organised a no numberplate day.
SM
And indeed it would be hilarious if you were then crashed into by a hit and run
I can't less this go. I hold the authorities responsible for putting our valuable vehicle registration process under serious threat. The problems are there already, and they are about to get much much worse.
If they continue to put drivers under unreasonable pressure with too many speed cameras, privatised parking offences and widespread use of ANPR backed with faulty databases, then responsible members of society will decide that they are better off 'outside the system' with improper vehicle registration. And all the criminals will be driving vehicles with cloned registrations.
The authorities need to look at side effects PDQ before they mess this up once and for all. But they have a very poor record when it comes to looking at side effects. The Home Office hasn't even considered the side effects of speed cameras on the Police/public relationship. It's utterly shameful.
It's a bit like this ID card thing "if you have nothing to hide you have nothing to fear". When numberplates were introduced, I'll bet they said the same thing then.
But now provided you're a speed zealot looking at nothing but your speedometer, you'll be ok. But for everyone else you have your insurance premiums, bank balance and even the loss of the roof over your head to fear.
Seems to me the logical choice is that if they can't be trusted to use ID responsibly, we might simply withdraw our consent to give it to them.
SM
But now provided you're a speed zealot looking at nothing but your speedometer, you'll be ok. But for everyone else you have your insurance premiums, bank balance and even the loss of the roof over your head to fear.
Seems to me the logical choice is that if they can't be trusted to use ID responsibly, we might simply withdraw our consent to give it to them.
SM
There is no doubt in my mind that current moves will lead to a huge increase in wrong or hidden plates. I was actually advised by a serving plod once to remove the plate on my bikes if I planned to have some fun (He was not a friend of mine, he didn't stop me, we just sort of got chatting once somewhere and I don't even know his name or can remember what he looked like - OK top brass ? - not traceable - those that have read recent postings about disciplinary action of an officer for posting on here will understand) Anyway, my point is that if even otherwise completely law abiding people are considering ways to hide their plates (not me you understand 
), can there really be any doubt that less law-abiding people will even hesitate to do it ?
), can there really be any doubt that less law-abiding people will even hesitate to do it ?
safespeed said:
It would be interesting to see the reaction if someone organised a no numberplate day.
SM
And indeed it would be hilarious if you were then crashed into by a hit and run
I can't less this go. I hold the authorities responsible for putting our valuable vehicle registration process under serious threat. The problems are there already, and they are about to get much much worse.
If they continue to put drivers under unreasonable pressure with too many speed cameras, privatised parking offences and widespread use of ANPR backed with faulty databases, then responsible members of society will decide that they are better off 'outside the system' with improper vehicle registration. And all the criminals will be driving vehicles with cloned registrations.
The authorities need to look at side effects PDQ before they mess this up once and for all. But they have a very poor record when it comes to looking at side effects. The Home Office hasn't even considered the side effects of speed cameras on the Police/public relationship. It's utterly shameful.
I agree with all that you said.
My comment was tongue in cheek, of course - my view is that action needs to be taken, but a "no number plate day" is not the way as the existing half-ass protection against uninsured and false ID drivers is better than none at all to the poor sods who would inevitably (according to accident statistics) get clobbered by some lowlife scum on protest day.
JJ
>> Edited by jazzyjeff on Tuesday 22 November 13:23
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