Q1084: I think there is a CCTV camera at the location where a crime / vehicle collision took place - will it be collected by the police and used in their investigation?

Not all collisions require a police officer to complete a collision report.

In some instances a collision report will not be released until the police file has been finalised.

If you are a solicitor or an insurance agent, you can apply on behalf of your client for a copy of any existing collision reports the police have.

People can also apply for collision reports or request details of third parties involved in a collision if they are representing themselves in civil proceedings.

Information on how to make a request and details regarding costs can be found on local police force websites. See the link in Related Information for force contact details.

It is not illegal to reverse into a main road but it is not advisable - this is for safety reasons. The main road is likely to be very busy and there will be an increased chance of an accident due to the presence of more cars on the road. If an accident occurred due to you reversing onto a main road from a minor road then there may be the possibility of you being prosecuted for driving without due care and attention.

If both parties stopped at the scene and exchanged names and addresses, then there is no legal requirement to report the accident to the police. Road traffic law has been complied with and the police will not take a report.

Read the information in Q894 which explains what a driver must do if they are involved in an accident. Note that the provisions make no reference to blame. Therefore, a driver must comply with them even if they are not at fault for the accident.

You must comply with the provisions in Q894 or you may face prosecution. Even if you were not at the wheel of your vehicle at the time, you may still be deemed to be the driver in legal terms. If you are in any doubt about what to do, we would suggest you report the matter to your local police, in accordance with the above provisions and let them make the decision.

If you managed to make a note of the registration of the offending vehicle the police will make enquiries to trace and speak to the driver. The process of tracing and speaking to the driver of the other vehicle can take some time.

If you did not manage to note down the registration of the vehicle then you can still report the accident to the police but unfortunately there are no further enquiries that can be made. However, if the vehicle had an identifying mark on it, a company logo for example, then it may be that the vehicle driver can be traced.

The police will aim to prosecute in most cases where there is sufficient evidence to secure a conviction but each case is judged on its own merits. However, please be aware that some police forces may not take action in relation to very minor damage or accidents on supermarket car parks etc. In such circumstances it will be a matter for your insurance company to resolve the matter.