Much of the current policing of motorists relies upon automatic data gathering. Speed cameras, bus lane cameras, road tax enforcement cameras and other image based systems can record the data of a vehicle on the road but cannot go so far as to identify the driver. The provisions of Section 172 Road Traffic Act 1988 make it a requirement to notify the police of the details of the driver of a vehicle at the time an offence is alleged to have occurred.

Difficulties in being able to provide this information can lay you open to a prosecution. Being able to show that all reasonable steps have been taken to secure this information can be argued before a Court as a defence.