DVLA 'Photo at the roadside' (FOI ref: 2038A/25)

Request

1. Does West Midlands Police currently have access to the DVLA “Photo at the Roadside” service (the facility which enables police officers to view the photograph stored on the DVLA driver record during an enquiry)?

2. If so:

a) When did this service become available to West Midlands Police?

b) Under what circumstances or legal grounds can an officer request and view a DVLA driver licence photograph?

c) Are there any internal policies, authorisation levels, or usage restrictions governing when and how these photographs may be accessed?

d) What times can the system be accessed, specify days of the week and times of the day please.

3. If the service is not currently in use, is there a planned date or timeline for rollout within West Midlands Police?

Response

1. Does West Midlands Police currently have access to the DVLA “Photo at the Roadside” service (the facility which enables police officers to view the photograph stored on the DVLA driver record during an enquiry)?

Yes, it is on the LEDS (Law Enforcement Data Service).

2. If so:

a) When did this service become available to West Midlands Police?

06 July 2023.

b) Under what circumstances or legal grounds can an officer request and view a DVLA driver licence photograph?

The Drivers module can only be used for traffic matters.

c) Are there any internal policies, authorisation levels, or usage restrictions governing when and how these photographs may be accessed?

As long as used for a traffic offence there are no restrictions.

d) What times can the system be accessed, specify days of the week and times of the day please.

24/7

3. If the service is not currently in use, is there a planned date or timeline for rollout within West Midlands Police?

N/A