I have noted, from time to time, that you have commented about the problems of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems and it seems that you probably feel that they do not work well. A few days ago I received a bus lane Penalty Charge Notice. The notice alleges that my vehicle (a Ford Transit T280 panel van) contravened a restricted bus lane. It was issued by Leeds City Council and was accompanied by a copy of a photograph of a vehicle, apparently taken at the time, since the photo carries identification about the location, time etc.

Careful examination of the (barely visible) registration plate shows me that it contains at least two characters that are not included in my vehicle registration. The absolute proof that this photo does not show my vehicle is that my van was literally destroyed in an accident in France in October 2012, and is currently in process of being written off. I have been informed (I am not sure how reliably) that ANPR systems are frequently in error and make as many as 20 per cent wrong identifications on a regular basis. If this is true, then I should like Leeds City Council to take me to court and, in such a case, I would endeavour to make the hearing a suitable high profile event. Following the loss of their case, I would then wish to take the issue forward to the European Court to try to get a ruling that the system must be upgraded and made far more accurate before being relied on.