Database Uses
The database is available to the law enforcement authorities for activities such as:
- Vehicle legality checks such as: current safety certification, motor insurance and vehicle licence
- Police traffic law enforcement
- Automated camera enforcement of certain traffic laws
Details from the database are also available, for £2.50, to anyone having a good reason to require them. Between 2004 and 2009 the service sold more than 18 million names and addresses charging £44 million. The DVLA stated that they did not make a profit from the service. Commercial vehicle check companies incorporate database details Car check for consumer protection and anti-fraud purposes. In 2009, Castrol used information from the database to create personalised advertisements to drivers. Five billboards in London automatically recognised the numberplate and then advised drivers what type of engine oil to use based on the make and age of their car. The DVLA said that such use of the database was "inappropriate" and it was "urgently investigating".
Read more about this topic: Vehicle Register