[LINK] Google StreetView Launched in Oz

[Ivan Trundle]

On 05/08/2008, at 3:16 PM, Pilcher, Fred wrote:

> Ivan said:
>> I'm puzzled by this: why number plates? Is it possible for
>> Joe Public to determine the ownership of a vehicle?
>
> When I was in The Land of the Pom recently I took a photo of my mate's
> car. He said "If you're going to publish that on the web, please  
> obscure
> the number plate." The reason, he explained, is that there's a  
> thriving
> business in copying number plates seen on the web and flogging them to
> people with identical cars so that they can then speed past speed
> cameras and park in no parking zones with impunity.
>
> I've never heard of it here, but he tells me it's rife over there.

It's much easier to forge Pommy numberplates (or craft your own). When  
I lived there, I bought a trailer for a few snowmobiles that we were  
using, and was instructed - by the local plod, no less - to make up a  
numberplate of my own from my car rego plates. Not so easy here  
(reflective paint, raised lettering etc).

However, what's to stop someone from simply finding a similar car to  
that which which you wish to break the law, and simply noting down the  
number? In a large city, it wouldn't take long, just sitting on the  
Sydney Harbour Bridge during rush hour. I could find any car and  
colour in minutes, I'm sure.

iT