Hi-tech answer to dangerous drivers

Merseyside Police is using a sophisticated computer system to deal effectively with public reports of dangerous driving and other types of vehicle misuse.

The Vehicle Misuse Report (VMR) database has been developed in partnership with WPC Software to support Merseyside’s ‘Road Risk’ initiative, which encourages members of the public to report such incidents.

The VMR database gives police a single channel to record reports of vehicle misuse with automatic tasking mechanisms for tracking follow-up actions by officers. Reports can relate to a range of incidents, from someone drink-driving or speeding to driving with a defective light or no insurance.
Information can come from various sources, such as people phoning in, from police community support officers (PCSOs) on patrol, or from people visiting their local police station.

Previously such information was recorded on separate systems, which made it more difficult for police to collate reports of vehicle misuse.

“Having all information relating to vehicle misuse on one database means that we can take positive action when we receive reports of careless or dangerous driving,” said Insp Mark Williamson, of Merseyside’s Roads Policing Team.

“The system helps us build up a picture of drivers who are causing concern and who might potentially cause death or injury on the roads. It enables us to target our patrols more effectively in particular areas where we have received reports.

“Letting offenders know that they have been notified to the police can have a deterrent effect and helps us to make the roads safer. It is also reassuring for members of the public who can see that we are taking their concerns seriously – and acting on them.”