Can Police take your photo for traffic offence?

Honest John Back Room » Motoring discussion
What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks
View Threaded
Sat 18 May 2019 15:28
Can Police take your photo for traffic offence? - Warning

A few years ago, the police were hiding and catching drivers who were doing a left-turn where it was not allowed. (The alternative is a a long detour). They caught lots of drivers. It was common, as the police cars had been doing it.

I admitted my guilt and signed something on his machine.

However, he took my photo. I don't know if he had a right to do that?. He did not ask me. Did I have a right to refuse my photo being taken?

am wondering what are my rights?

The points blew my clear driver's license.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sat 18 May 2019 17:01
Can Police take your photo for traffic offence? - NARU

Taking photos in a public place is not illegal. The only time an offence is committed is if the photographs being taken are considered to be indecent. There is no law preventing people from taking photographs in public. This includes taking photos of other people's children.

www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/advice/neighbourhood.../

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sat 18 May 2019 19:37
Can Police take your photo for traffic offence? - James2018

Taking photos in a public place is not illegal. The only time an offence is committed is if the photographs being taken are considered to be indecent. There is no law preventing people from taking photographs in public. This includes taking photos of other people's children.

www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/advice/neighbourhood.../

Correct, unless the taking of those photos is considered to be harassment, usually for taking several photos of someone who objects.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sat 18 May 2019 18:36
Can Police take your photo for traffic offence? - Brit_in_Germany

Did you have any evidence of identity with you? If not, they were just collecting evidence if the offence is subsequently challenged in court.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sat 18 May 2019 23:13
Can Police take your photo for traffic offence? - Bilboman

It occurs to me from what you have said that if you had had a photo driving licence on you at the time, that would have been valid proof of your identity, and so a separate photograph surely would not have been needed.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 19 May 2019 11:22
Can Police take your photo for traffic offence? - Bromptonaut

You could, and perhaps should, have asked him to justify taking your photo. However if it was taken, as others suggest it was, to verify your ID then refusal might well have risked arrest.

The interesting question now is whether they still hold it, what uses it might have been put to, and whether they will delete it:

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/feb/24/police-told-to-delete-on-request-images-of-innocent-people

Edited by Bromptonaut on 19/05/2019 at 11:23

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 19 May 2019 13:48
Can Police take your photo for traffic offence? - Glaikit Wee Scunner {P}

That refers to "innocent" people. The original poster was copped for an offence, as he admits.

Might be a picture of me driving in Cumbria the last time I was charged with speeding; an offence. I then went on a driver awareness course, got no points and was thus not convicted. Does that make me "innocent" ?

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 19 May 2019 14:35
Can Police take your photo for traffic offence? - Brit_in_Germany

A FPN is not a conviction though.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 19 May 2019 15:42
Can Police take your photo for traffic offence? - Glaikit Wee Scunner {P}

An interesting distinction. Must remember that in future when I apply for car insurance. If I get copped again.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 19 May 2019 18:54
Can Police take your photo for traffic offence? - ExA35Owner

Refusing to have your photo taken might just mean you fail the "attitude test." The PC will wonder what you are trying to hide, so will spend a bit more time digging, asking questions, checking your car and your story. It might also mean the difference between being sent on your way with words of advice, or getting a ticket. Just be nice!

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 23 May 2019 14:35
Can Police take your photo for traffic offence? - Bromptonaut

That refers to "innocent" people. The original poster was copped for an offence, as he admits.

I think there's still a question over how long pictures should be kept for minor offences - including those in moving traffic.

There's an ongoing legal challenge which may have prompted OP?

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2019/may/22/facial-recognition-prevents-crime-police-tell-uk-privacy-case

Reply | Report as offensive | Link