Every move you make, I'll be watching you .....

Civil liberties groups are challenging plans to locate permanent automatic numberplate recognition (ANPR) cameras in a Hertfordshire town.

The cameras, which record vehicle registration numbers, will be installed in Royston later this month.

Privacy International, No CCTV and Big Brother Watch say the cameras are an invasion of public privacy.

To find out more on this story click here

Francesca Cozens (profile) Pete Dodd (profile) Wednesday 3rd August 2011
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Thinking of taking penalty points for someone else – think again

Chris Huhne is currently in the media spotlight and the subject of a police investigation into allegations of perverting the course of justice. It is alleged that he asked his partner at the time to take points for him to avoid a ban.

If convicted of an offence of this type sentences can range from community punishments to custody. In addition to potentially losing liberty criminal convictions, especially those that involve deception, even for MP’s can cause loss of role, job and livelihood. The press constantly remind us that for people in public roles trust should mean everything. Spectacular falls from grace therefore are a good story that can run and run.

I often gain enquiries from the public who ask me about taking points for friends or family, or asking them to take points on their behalf. It is always for the same reason. If you have 12 points on your licence in a three year period, almost inevitably drivers will lose their licence for a minimum of 6 months.

"Losing my licence is worse than being sent to prison" one client has said to me, after all cars and being able to drive are an essential part of our daily lives.

What advice do I give when I receive these enquiries?

It’s simple. If you get caught then the police will not hesitate to prosecute both individuals. They have to and they know the courts will make an examples of people like this.

Clients ask me what are the chances of being caught? I remind them that the police know that ‘taking points’ is a tactic that is often used. Let’s not forget that they have direct access to the DVLA where they can look at anyone’s driving record. If someone has 9 points on their licence then suspicions can arise. After all, the police are just doing their job. They also have access to photographic and video footage, the quality of which is improving all the time.

Do you take the chance? It’s up to you. I always advise clients to play it safe as the consequences of being caught out are drastic. There is, after all legislation available for motoring specialists to argue before a court when someone is up to 12 points that they should not lose their licence for any period of time.

Pete Dodd  heads up Motoring Law at Nockolds LLP and is a Partner. With over 14 years legal experience Peter is skilled in dealing with criminal and road traffic matters in the Magistrates Court. Peter worked as a Magistrates Clerk for many years and has inside knowledge of how the Court process works: this knowledge gives him the edge in understanding what the Magistrates are likely to do and the best arguments to use to sway them in his client’s favour.

If you have any concerns over Motoring offences for you, your family or friends, please do not hesitate to contact him at Nockolds LLP on 01279 755 777 or pd@nockolds.co.uk

Pete Dodd (profile) Tuesday 17th May 2011
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Keeping Your Licence: Loopholes, Myths and Realities

Last Wednesday 11th May Peter Dodd, provided valuable insight into Motoring Law at Great Hadham Golf Club, near Bishops Stortford.

Peter Dodd, Partner responsible for the Road Traffic and Motoring Team at Nockolds LLP gave important practical hints and tips to the attendees on how they can take steps to protect their businesses from prosecution. Peter talked about real case studies which were well received and generated great discussion amongst the group and many questions.

The talk was very well attended and well received by the local business members as increasingly businesses are finding themselves liable for acts of their employees.

Should you have any motoring questions or would like Peter to talk at your networking event please do not hesitate to contact him on 01279 755777.

  http://www.nockolds.co.uk/sector-expertise/road-traffic-motoring-law.htm

Francesca Cozens (profile) Pete Dodd (profile) Tuesday 17th May 2011
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