UK Plan Would Use CCTV To Stop Uninsured Drivers From Refueling

Mr_Blank writes "Cameras at UK petrol stations will automatically stop uninsured or untaxed vehicles from being filled with fuel, under new government plans. Downing Street officials hope the hi-tech system will crack down on the 1.4 million motorists who drive without insurance. Automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras are already fitted in thousands of petrol station forecourts. Drivers can only fill their cars with fuel once the camera has captured and logged the vehicle's number plate. Currently the system is designed to deter motorists from driving off without paying for petrol. But under the new plans, the cameras will automatically cross-refererence with the DVLA's huge database."

Comments

Re:Doesn't sound workable to me

[Myopic]

This policy would have a much harder time in a free country, or a democracy, but I can see how it would happen in a place like Britain, which lacks a constitution ("lacks" means "unwritten") and is a theocratic monarchy. Someday, perhaps Britons will demand democracy and freedom, but until they do, I say let them have this kind of nonsense.

Yes, I know they have a cute little "legislature" and a cute little "unwritten constitution", but if they have a Queen who is the head of the official state church, then I don't give them credit for being a democracy or a constitutionally-protected country. Someday I hope they join the modern world -- and by modern, I mean the 19th century. This also goes for other monarchical European countries.

Re:ground effects lighting

[judoguy]

Wait until you get to the "Obama" phase. As bad as the "Bush" phase is, it will look like the good 'ole days. And that's just sad.

Re:ground effects lighting

[mallyn]

As a bicyclist, I would love to see this system set up here in the U.S. Too many uninsured drivers have been hitting bicyclists. In fact, I have had dreams of even a better system. Have an electronic lock in all vehicles that would automatically disable the vehicle if it's insurance policy lapses. This can be easily done with the current cellular/wimax/WIFI technology.