Automatic Number Plate Recognition was praised at the launch of a new Government strategy for policing the roads.
A key element is increased use of new technology such as ANPR, according to Home Office Minister Caroline Flint. She said: “Officers using ANPR make nine times the number of arrests and contribute to three times the number of offenders brought to justice compared with a conventional officer. But, technology is not the whole picture – the strategy will ensure that there is an adequate police presence on the roads to deal with significant problems which cannot be detected by technology, including drink and drug driving, and to help wider crime reduction. We are committed to challenging unlawful and unruly behaviour on the roads as we do on the streets and in other public places.”
At the recent launch were Alistair Darling, Secretary of State for Transport, Home Office Minister Caroline Flint and Richard Brunstrom, Head of Road Policing for the Association of Chief Police Officers. The joint strategy identifies the following policing priorities: denying criminals use of the roads by enforcing the law; reducing road casualties; tackling the threat of terrorism; reducing anti social use of the roads; and enhancing public confidence and reassurance by patrolling the roads. Caroline Flint added: "Roads policing is an important and valuable part of day-to-day policing. It not only helps reduce deaths and injuries on the roads, but reduces anti-social and criminal misuse of vehicles and provides a reassuring presence to the public.”
