SORN & number plate readers

[69 coupe]

Over the last few days (NW London) I've noticed quite a few DVLA NCP signed transit type vans that have been contracted out and driven by NCP private parking goons.

The vans have four PIPS cameras on the roofs facing out at approx 45 degrees, obviously checking all car number plates.

These goons even got out to check motorcycles that were parked with their back wheels to the kerb.
I don't really have a problem with this (apart from private parking companies been involved )

But what about SORN'd vehicles?
I have a classic car parked on my drive, that is SORN'd, the number plate on my car, can easily be seen by any passer-by & even more easily from a PIPS camera, will this PIPS system see my number-plate and decide that the car must be on the road, so a penalty should be issued.

My neighbour told me that these guys got out of the van & were looking around my car on the drive, this I find worrying.

My simple solution is to remove the number plate, as it's on my private property.
I don't want to wake up one morning to find it's been towed or crushed.

Thoughts appreciated

[cptsideways]

Take photo's of it as is, speak to the contractors as to what they were doing on your private property. I'd be inclined to stick a note on the windscreen informing them, maybe even a photocopy of the sorn receipt.

Plenty of cars have been towed from owners drives in the past, no doubt they are on commisson for towaways or backhanders from the scrappies

[peteA]

My simple solution is to remove the number plate, as it's on my private property.

I was thinking about this the other day...I kniow you are required to have number plates on the public highway, including when parked at the side of the road, but when you leave the road and enter a private car park...can you remove yout plates meaning they can't issue a ticket?

I know its a bit impractical, etc but was just wondering....?

How about an LCD display for a number plate that can be switched on and off (at any time....)?

[BIG DUNC]

If a contractor came on property without asking, I would write a letter to the company asking for them to make an appointment next time so you can help them. Remind them that otherwise it is trespas, and you will be taking appropriate action. Ask the neighber to photograph them if they come back.

Does there camera not show that the car is off the road? If you get a letter saying you have been using your SORN'd car, then ask for their evidence. This should show that it is off the road?

Are there any other signs that the car is out of use? ( A car cover for example, that may also cover the number plate ? ). I see no reason why you cannot remove the number plate on private property, but it may make them more suspicious, and then cause you more problems.

As long as the car really is on private property ( and it sounds like it is ), then I do not think you have too much to worry about. Even if someone came to tow it, then it would be obvious then it was on private property, not on the road ( not saying that means they won't, but they may show some common sence ). If it did get towed, treat it as theft. Your insurence ( if it is insured, which it does not have to be ) would be interested if you could give them a clue as to where it is.

I don't know whether or not the police would be able to help you in this instance.

[69 coupe]

Car is on front drive, it's tight but the car is fully on my property not on the road, car needs a respray, but otherwise is in perfect conditon, only stopped using it, because paint peed me off.

Just to many busybodies in the country now, will take a photo of car on the drive, licence plate will be removed.
Council were looking in my bins the week before

I'm thinking of hirng a trailer or car transporter & bringing it to my brother who lives in Ireland, has plenty of garage space, where he & myself can prep & respray at our leisure.
My brother is looking for a car project too, that will keep him busy.