How data release contributes to safer motoring

Figures show that the number of road traffic accident casualties in Britain is declining. However, in 2009 there were still 2,222 people killed in road accidents (an average of 6 per day) 500 were pedestrians. Through the fast and efficient release of information from the vehicle register, DVLA supports efforts to enhance traffic enforcement and continue improving road safety.

In all matters regarding data release, we act responsibly and in accordance with legislation.

Reducing speed to increase safety
Every time a vehicle is caught speeding or driving dangerously the police can access DVLA information to trace the motorist. This may be bad news for the motorist because of the financial penalty and points on the licence. However, there is no doubt that traffic enforcement contributes to a lowering of driving speeds and dangerous driving, particularly in residential areas, and therefore helps improve road safety.

No tax, no insurance, no MOT!
There is statistical evidence to show that if a vehicle is being driven without a valid tax disc on display it is more likely that the driver does not have insurance and the vehicle does not have an MOT certificate. Enforcement agencies can check these details quickly through DVLA and then act on their findings.

By helping to remove inconsiderate drivers and potentially dangerous vehicles from the roads we make life safer for the vast majority of motorists who do behave responsibly.

Promoting safer, cleaner motoring
The provision of DVLA vehicle register information promotes road safety and road traffic enforcement in many different ways. It enables the enforcement of congestion charging and low emission zones, which contribute to reducing traffic and pollution in city centres. It helps in the tracing of vehicles involved in hit and run incidents and so ensures that unsafe drivers are held accountable. And, through consensual driver entitlement checks, DVLA also helps reduce the number of unfit and illegal drivers of commercial and hire vehicles.