Why do the police provide details of speeding motorists to private companies?

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Why do the police provide details of speeding motorists to private companies?

We know of the selling of vehicle keeper data by the DVLA to some interested parties such as parking enforcement companies. I did not know that the Police Authorities are now permitted to provide (outsource) details of 'speeding motorists' to commercial companies who then encourage the motorist to attend Speed Awareness courses. Of the 40 or so Authorities, 25 per cent direct motorists to AA Drive Tech. Should it not be down to the Police Authority to first direct the wayward motorist to the 'outsourced' organisation as opposed to AA Drive Tech?

Asked on 3 March 2012 by DS, via email

Answered by Honest John

I'm all in favour of re-education rather than punishment so I'm happy however they do it. The police generally agree that re-education is far more effective than punishment. These schemes are also providing employment for redundant or early-retired police traffic officers. After a minor scrape (not really his fault), my 86-year-old father was sent on a four-hour one-to-one course with an instructor and returned home tired but very impressed with what he had learned.

Tags: dvla speed awareness course police data protection act

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