GB2427295A

GB2427295A - Remote authorisation or immobilisation of road vehicle based on recorded status of car and driver

Info

Publication number: GB2427295A
Application number: GB0512084A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Sukhbir Tandy
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-06-15
Filing date: 2005-06-15
Publication date: 2006-12-20
Also published as: GB0512084D0

Abstract

A security system for road vehicles comprises a device such as a mobile telephone in a car which communicates with a remote authority. Data are sent and received by the system relating to the vehicle and driver to determine if the security immobiliser of the vehicle should be engaged or disengaged; the system also able to stop an operating vehicle. The immobiliser may be engaged is the remote authority believes the vehicle or it's keys to have been stolen or if the recorded status of the car is invalid due for example to lack of valid MOT, insurance, road tax etc. Data sent from the vehicle may include ID of the car such as chassis or VIN numbers, driver entered PIN numbers, mobile telephone ID, and position of the vehicle. If driver ID is sent to the remote authority, the immobiliser may be engaged if the driver is legally disqualified from driving. The system may include local communications for wireless road toll collection etc.

Description

System for monitoring a vehicle The present invention relates to a system

for monitoring a vehicle, and for protecting its security.

Vehicle tracking, security, andlor monitoring systems and their benefits are well known.

Tracking systems, in particular, are becoming more important with an increasing number of governments proposing road tolling schemes, city zone based congestion charges, and mileage based road taxation. Mileage based taxation, for example, generally involves a complex schedule of levies which depend on a number of factors, including for example, the type and location of road. Since one of the aims of such taxation is the reduction of fuel emissions, different levies for different vehicle types depending, for example, on fuel efficiency or the like are also commonly used.

Typically, for example, remote tracking systems comprise a radiofrequency or other transmitter located in a vehicle, and a specialist receiver, held, for example, by the police for :: : identifng and tracking the vehicle if it is stolen. Generally, the position of the vehicle is *.S.

15 determined by conventional global positioning technology using satellite communications, * :* : :* although radio signal strength may additionally/alternatively be used as a directional andlor distance indicator. S..

* . : However, satellite technology is still significantly complex requiring relatively expensive S. technology to be installed in or on the vehicle concerned. Whilst the technology could be installed in the form of a stand-alone black box' this would be relatively unsatisfactory because it would allow for the box to be removed relatively easily, exchanged with a stolen box, andlor otherwise tampered with. A statutory requirement for all vehicles to be retrospectively fitted with such technology, therefore, will be extremely costly and is likely to meet with significant public opposition, especially if vehicle owners are expected to bear the cost.

Vehicle security systems are also of importance with the increasing drive to reduce vehicle related crime levels. Existing systems are primarily geared toward the prevention of vehicle theft. Typically, for example, they involve the use of vehicle immobilisers to prevent the vehicle from being driven away in the absence of the correct ignition key. However, such systems do not prevent theft in situations where an ignition key has been stolen, for example, in a car jacking, house burglary or the like. Furthermore, such systems cannot prevent the genuine owners of vehicles from engaging in illegal driving activities such as driving without insurance, driving whilst disqualified, driving without a license, driving an untaxed vehicle or driving a vehicle that has not had an appropriate roadworthiness test (e.g. MOT) carried out.

The present invention relates to an improved system for monitoring a vehicle, and for protecting its security, which significantly mitigates one or more of the above issues.

According to the present invention there is provided a system for monitoring a vehicle and for protecting its security, the system comprising: an interface portion configured for engagement with a mobile communications device; remote receiving means for receiving at least one parameter associated with said vehicle through communication with said mobile * *, communications device; wherein the interface is operable for communication *:*. 15 between said communications device and an immobiliser of the vehicle, when said * communications device is engaged, thereby to allow said vehicle to be either immobilised or * * driven in dependence on said communication; and wherein said receiving means is operable *:. to analyse the or each parameter, and to respond automatically in accordance with said analysis. ****

*. * 20 Preferably, the invention includes features as recited in the dependent claims.

The invention will now be described, byway of example only, with reference to the attached figures in which: Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a system according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a flow diagram illustrating operation of the system of figure 1 to allow or prevent the vehicle from being driven; and Figure 3 is a network diagram illustrating operation of the system of figure 1.

As seen in figure 1 a system for monitoring a vehicle, and for protecting its security, is shown generally at 10. The system comprises vehicle side sub-systems 12, central control sub- systems 14, and remote station sub-systems 16.

The vehicle side sub-systems 12 comprise a mobile communication device (MCD) 20 and associated sub-systems, a plurality of vehicle subsystems 22, and an interface 24 provided within or on the vehicle. The interface is configured both for removable engagement with the MCD 20, and for communication between the MCD 20 and the vehicle sub-systems 22, when the MCD 20 is engaged.

Thus, in operation, the central controller 14 communicates with the vehicle sub-systems 22 via the MCD 20, and the interface 24 to monitor the vehicle status, and to allow the vehicle to be started, or to prevent it from being driven, in dependence on vehicle related data received * and analysed by the central control sub-systems 14. *I..

The MCD 20 is configured for sending and receiving short message service (SMS) text * ** 15 messages, and includes display means (not shown) for displaying such texts and the like. The : MCD 20 is further provided with data ent means, such as a kead (not shown), for *S allowing a user to enter infonnation to the device. The MCD may be any suitable * . : communications device such as, for example, a mobile phone handset. I, a * S * * S.

The MCD 20 is configured for communication via an existing mobile or cell phone communications network and comprises a plurality of sub-systems associated with mobile phone communication or the like. The MCD subsystems include: a call control sub-system for controlling voice and data communication by and with the MCD 20; a rechargeable power unit 32 for providing electrical power for operating the MCD 20; a data port 34 for external data communication; and a speaker/microphone port 36, for interfacing with a vehicle hands free port, or the like, to allow hands free voice communication.

The vehicle sub-systems 20 comprise the sub-systems typically associated with a vehicle and include: a keyed ignition switch 40, an onboard vehicle computer 42 for controlling the vehicle sub-systems 20, a vehicle immobiliser 44, vehicle electrical/electronics and fuel sub- systems 46, a mobile phone hands free sub-system 48, and a short range transmitter/receiver 50.

The keyed ignition switch 40 is a typical ignition switch allowing a user to switch on the vehicle electrics, using a conventional vehicle key, before any attempt at ignition is made. It will be appreciated that other ignition systems may be used, for example, systems which do not involve a key.

The vehicle computer 42 controls and communicates with the other vehicle sub-systems in dependence on the nature of the sub-system. The vehicle computer 42 includes a memory containing vehicle identification details such as a vehicle identification number (yIN), or the like, and a unique access code, set of access codes, andlor access algorithm for allowing external access to the vehicle computer via the MCD 20. Hence, in operation, the computer * 42 may be accessed externally to allow an indication to be provided to the computer 42 indicating whether an attempt to start the vehicle should be allowed, or not. Similarly, the computer 42 may be accessed to allow data associated with the vehicle sub-systems to be * :* ::* read and analysed, via suitable external means, using suitable secure transmission.

The vehicle immobiliser 44 is operable to prevent ignition until the vehicle computer 42 * : indicates that such ignition should be allowed, regardless of whether an attempt to start the *. . 20 vehicle is made using a correct ignition key or not. Such immobilisation may be achieved, for example, by restricting fuel flow to the engine, and/or electrical ignition signals.

The short range transmitter/receiver 50 is configured for short range communication with the remote station subsystems 16, thereby allowing local' interrogation of the vehicle computer, and where necessary the issuing of remote commands to the onboard computer 42, for example, to operate the immobiliser to stop the vehicle using an pre-defined safe stopping protocol. The short-range communication may be by any suitable communication medium, such as, for example, Bluetooth or radio. The protocol may comprise any suitable method for bring the vehicle safely and gradually to a stop and may include, for example, the issue of advance warning both to the vehicle driver, via the MCD 20 when engaged, and to other drivers in the vicinity via hazard warning lights or the like. The warning via the MCD 20 may be made audibly via the hands free set, the vehicle computer 42 being operable to automatically answer certain incoming calls to the MCD 20, from appropriate pre-allocated numbers.

The interface 24 is operable for data communication between the communications device 20, and the vehicle sub-systems 22, when the MCD 20 is engaged with the interface 24. The interface 24 also provides access to the vehicle electrical systems 46 both to allow the MCD to be powered by the vehicle electric/electronic sub-systems 46, and to allow the rechargeable power unit (battery) 32 to be recharged, when the keyed ignition switch 40 is in an appropriate position. Hence, when the MCD 20 is engaged with the interface 24, and the switch 40 is in the appropriate position, the MCD 20 may be operated regardless of whether the battery 32 is fully charged or empty.

a The interface 24 is also configured to allow conventional hands free communication with the MCD 20, when engaged with the interface 24, via the hands free sub-system 48. a S.

* a:: The interface 24 is further operable to allow data communication between the data port 34 and the vehicle computer 42, thereby allowing the vehicle computer 42 both to provide information about the vehicle status to the central controller 14, and to receive data and/or :::.: commands from the central controller 14, via communication using the MCD 20.

The interface 24 may be in any suitable form for interfacing with the MCD 20 but is typically in the form of a mobile phone cradle having connectors for providing appropriate power, data, and other connections between the MCD 20 and the vehicle sub-systems 22.

Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the required connections of the interface 24 may be provided by a separate cable connection adapted for connection to a particular mobile phone or the like. For example, electrical power to the MCD 20 may be provided via a suitable mobile phone cable and connector connected to the vehicle electrical/electronic subsystems 46. Conveniently, the interface 24 may be provided with a standard' secondary interface for onward connection, via corresponding connectors, to the vehicle sub-systems 22.

Hence, MCDs 20 of different configurations may be connected via dedicated interfaces 24, to the vehicle sub-systems without the need for significant re-installation requirements.

The interface 24 is configured for allowing communication between the MCD 20 and the vehicle sub-systems 22 by any suitable means, for example, wired, blue-tooth, and/or infrared communication or the like.

The central controller 14 comprises a centralised, automated, database driven response service for providing instructions to, and for receiving data from, a plurality of vehicle computers, via associated MCDs engaged with the interfaces of the corresponding vehicles.

It will be appreciated that although the controller 14 is described as being centralised the controller may be implemented as a plurality of distributed control centres. In the distributed system each centre is provided with access to the central database or a copy of it, thereby, allowing for individual centres to be shut down, for example for maintenance or repair, whilst : allowing the system to continue operating. I...

The central controller 14 is operable to receive vehicle specific data associated with each * * 15 vehicle, to analyse the data received through interrogation of the central database, and to : respond accordingly.

* The vehicle specific data may comprise any suitable information but typically comprises: *S..

unique vehicle identification data identifying a specific vehicle; unique MCD identification data identifying a specific MCD installed in or on the vehicle; position related information locating the specific MCD and hence vehicle; a personal identification number (PIN) or other data entered via the keypad of the specific MCD; and/or data identifying the specific MCD as being correctly installed in the specific vehicle.

The vehicle identification data comprises any suitable information for uniquely identifying the vehicle, for example, the VIN. The unique MCD identification data comprises any suitable information for uniquely identifying the phone, for example, a mobile phone security code or the like. The position related information is triangulation data received from a mobile communication service such as a mobile or cell phone service provider for establishing the geographical location of the specific MCD and hence vehicle.

The central database contains interlinked information associated with each vehicle, driver and MCD registered for operation with the system.

The vehicle associated information may comprise any suitable information but typically includes information relating to the legal status of each vehicle, for example, whether the vehicle is taxed and/or insured, has a valid road worthiness test (MOT) certificate, and/or has any unpaid speeding or parking fines outstanding. The vehicle associated information also typically includes unique vehicle security and identification details for identifying each vehicle, and a linked list identifying each driver registered as being authorised, by an owner of a particular vehicle, to drive the vehicle. Furthermore, the vehicle associated information also typically includes a linked list identifying each MCD registered for use with the vehicle, and details related to the type and/or category of vehicle.

: : : The vehicle security and identification details need to be sufficient to uniquely identify a *S..

15 particular vehicle and any access codes required for accessing the onboard computer * :* ::* associated with the vehicle. Typically, for example, the details include at least one unique yIN associated with each vehicle and a unique access code or access algorithm for gaining access to the vehicle onboard computer. It will be appreciated that an access algorithm may * . : be used in conjunction with a rolling vehicle computer access code, or the like, for increased **. 20 security.

In operation, the vehicle security and identification information is compared with data received from the onboard computer, via communication through the MCD 20, to identify a particular vehicle. Once a vehicle is identified, the central controller 14 can communicate with the on-board computer using the appropriate security information such as the access code/algorithm, if applicable, to interrogate the computer and issue appropriate commands.

The legal status information is used to determine if the vehicle can be legally driven, and the driver identification list is used to determine if a specific driver is authorised to drive the specific vehicle.

The driver associated information may comprise any suitable information but typically includes information relating to the legal status of each driver registered within the system such as, for example, whether the driver is disqualified from driving, is insured for the vehicle in question, and/or is authorised by the vehicle owner to drive the vehicle. The driver associated information also typically includes unique driver security and identification details for each driver, a linked list identifying each vehicle the driver is authorised to drive, and a linked list identifying each MCD registered for use by the driver.

The driver security and identification details need to be sufficient to uniquely identify a person driving or attempting to drive a specific vehicle, and include, for example, at least one unique PIN/vehicle identifier/MCD identifier combination.

In operation, the driver security and identification information is compared with data entered via the MCD keypad to identify a person driving or attempting to drive a vehicle. Similarly, :*:: :* the legal status information is used to determine if the person is legally allowed to drive a * ., 15 vehicle of the type/category in question, and the vehicle identification list is used to * :* : :* determine if the driver is authorised to drive a specific vehicle. *S.

It will be appreciated that the PIN may be sufficient by itself to identify the person and may * comprise a plurality of security / identification details, for example a separate unique **..

*: .: identifier and security access code or password. It will be further appreciated that although a PT number' is described the security and identification information may comprise any alphanumeric or other characters rather than numeric only.

The MCD associated information may comprise any suitable information but typically includes unique MCD identification details for identifying each MCD, and a linked list identifying each driver and/or vehicle registered in conjunction with each MCD.

It will be further appreciated that although a plurality of linked lists are described, each list need not exist in its own right but may be simply derived from other information contained in the database. For example, the list of drivers for a specific vehicle is easily derivable from the list of vehicles associated with each driver or vice versa.

The central database is also provided with other related information for allowing centralised road charging relating to the movement of vehicles monitored by the system. The other related information includes geographical information mapping the roads to which the charging applies, financial data setting out a schedule of charges for different types of road and/or vehicle type or category, and account details associated with each driver, vehicle and/or MCD identifying the account from which identified charges should be deducted.

The central controller 14 is operable to monitor the position, and hence relative movement, of vehicles driving on roads to which charging applies. After each journey, the charge is calculated by the controller 14 and deducted from the appropriate account. When a charge is made the driver of the vehicle concerned is alerted by an SMS text message, or the like, sent to the corresponding MCD. The account may comprise any suitable electronic account, and * may conveniently be an existing account associated with the MCD 20, for example, a mobile * 15 phone service provider account. Alternatively, the account may be a dedicated account * associated with a specific vehicle or a specific driver. * ** * S *

The remote station sub-systems 16 comprise a plurality of systems for locally monitoring, interrogating, logging and/or issuing commands to vehicles via short-range communication : i with the short-range transmitter/receiver 50. The remote stations 16 include portable police * 20 safety units 52 for providing appropriate authorities with the means to stop, slow, or bar a specific vehicle interrogated locally. The remote stations 16 also include local tolling/congestion charge detectors 54, speed beacons 56, and check point units 58.

The remote units 52, 54, 56, 58 are configured to interrogate the vehicle computer to obtain appropriate vehicle/driver/MCD identification information from vehicles passing their location, and to transmit appropriate responses either to the central controller 14 or the vehicle accordingly.

The safety units 52 are further configured to issue safety commands to the vehicle if appropriate. The safety commands may comprise any suitable command but typically include barring commands for preventing a specific vehicle from being driven once stopped, or for preventing a particular driver from driving any vehicle, until the authority concerned is contacted and the reason for the barring command resolved. The safety commands also typically include stop commands for bringing a vehicle safely to a stop, and/or restriction commands for restricting performance of the vehicle such that it can be easily caught by a pursuing police vehicle or the like. Safety commands maybe issued, for example, where a car is being driven dangerously, where the authority has reason to believe that the driver is engaged in criminal activity or the like, and/or where the vehicle fails to stop when requested.

The safety commands are issued either directly via short-range communication, or by indirect communication via the central controller 14 and MCD 20. Hence, once logged the vehicle can be stopped, barred, or restricted regardless of whether the unit 52 is still within range of the transmitter/receiver 50. In operation, on the issuance of safety commands the driver of the vehicle in question is alerted by appropriate means, for example, by an SMS text or an * 15 audible warning.

The charge detectors 54 are operable to log the entry and exit of vehicles to and from * :* ::* charging zones, for example, toll roads and/or city centres. The logged information is used to determine the appropriate charge and to identify the driver responsible for paying the charge.

* . : The speed beacons 56 are located at known distances from one another. The beacons 56 are : .* 20 operable to measure the speed of an identified vehicle between the beacons, and to log any speeding offences thereby allow appropriate fines to be issued or action taken in relation to the driver identified as speeding.

The check-point units 58 operate in a similar manner to the other remote units but simply operate to log the movement of vehicles into, out of or across certain zones, for example, restricted military areas, border crossings, or the like.

Any speeding fines, congestion charges, and/or tolls issued by the units are automatically deducted from the road charging account, via the central controller, as generally described previously.

Typical operation of the system to allow a vehicle to be started will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to figure 2.

In operation the process to authorise ignition of a vehicle begins when a user engages an MCD with the interface 24 provided in or on the vehicle and turns the ignition switch to a position for providing electrical power to the vehicle electrics and hence the MCD. The MCD and hence the system is thus in a communication ready mode for allowing communication between the vehicle computer, the MCD, and the central controller 14.

The user then dials a central control telephone number on the MCD keypad, and once telephone communication is established, enters a PIN and/or other appropriate security and identification details. It will be appreciated that communication with the central controller may be established automatically, or semi-automatically on the push of a button, as soon as : . the MCD is correctly installed rather than requiring dial up. a...

*: : ::* The central controller carries out an initial security check to check the validity of the security and/or identification information entered before establishing communication with the vehicle computer via the MCD. Failure to supply the correct information results in no S..

communication being established and hence no authorisation being given for ignition.

S

* Once communication is established the central computer interrogates the central computer to obtain appropriate vehicle security and identification information.

The central controller identifies the vehicle, the driver, and the MCD and carries out a plurality of checks to determine whether authorisation for ignition should be granted. The checks may comprise any suitable analysis but typically include a check that the user is authorised to drive the vehicle, checks on the legal status of both the vehicle and driver including insurance, MOT and disqualification checks.

On successful authorisafion, the central computer obtains command access to the vehicle computer using any appropriate access code or algorithm stored in the central database. The - 12 central controller then issues an authorisation command to the computer indicating that the immobiliser should be disabled and hence ignition allowed. The authorisation may be in any form compatible with the vehicle computer but typically comprises a unique authorisation code, which changes cyclically with each successful or un-successful ignition attempt.

Similarly, if authorisation is unsuccessful the central computer logs the attempt and issues an authorisation denied response to this effect to the vehicle computer.

In both the case of successful authorisation, and unsuccessful authorisation, a reporting alert is sent directly to the MCD indicating whether authorisation has been granted, or not. The alert may be in the form of a text message and/or an audible signal via the hands free set.

Thus, if ignition is successfully authorised, the vehicle becomes ready to drive and the user is free to initiate ignition. On successful authorisation, the central controller logs the position of the vehicle, and the time of the authorisation. The central controller can then begin monitoring the position of the vehicle for road charging purposes by tracking the position of : ::: the MCD using the conventional mobile/cell phone network. Such tracking can be carried out I *e* * * 15 even if the MCD is not in direct communication

I

Successful attempts to start the vehicle result in a unique code identifying the MCD 20 being * stored in the on-board computer 42, in association with the successfully entered PIN and/or other security information. The stored code and/or associated security information are deleted *** * after a pre-set number of successful attempts using different MCD 20 and/or security information. Similarly the stored code / security information combination are deleted if an unsuccessful attempt is made to start the vehicle using the same MCD 20 and security information. To avoid vehicles becoming un-drivable when communication cannot be successfully achieved, for example, due to low signal strength or the like, the system is configured to allow the vehicle to be driven as long as a recognised MCD 20 is engaged in the interface and recognised associated security information entered. As soon as communication becomes available, confirmation is automatically sought via communication with the central controller 14.

Any MCD / PIN combination may be de-registered, and deleted from the computer 42, by appropriate communication with the central controller.

An overview of typical operation of the system will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to figure 3.

In figure 3, a plurality of vehicles 60, 62, 64 are registered with the monitoring system. In the example shown the vehicles 60, 62, 64 comprise a van 60, a motorcycle 62, and a sports car 64, although it will be appreciated that the system may be used with any number of vehicles of any type or category.

When a driver wishes to start any one of the vehicle 60, 62, 64 communication 66 is initiated with the central controller 14 via existing mobile phone base stations 68 and mobile phone network 70 to obtain authorisation to start the vehicle 60, 62, 64 using a procedure substantially as described with reference to figure 2.

* : : :* As described with reference to figure 2 the central controller 14 determines whether the attempt should be allowed based on an analysis of information entered by the prospective * 15 driver, received from thevehicle computer, or received from the MCD itself, in conjunction with information stored in the database of the central controller. The analysis results in a response 72 issuing or denying authorisation for ignition. I. :

Information in the central database is kept up-to-date by automatic communication with $ S * associated databases of mobile communication service providers 80, car insurance companies 82, and MOT stations 84, andlor appropriate government departments or agencies (not shown). Users themselves can also initiate updates, for example, to change personal information, register new MCDs, and/or authorise new drivers on a vehicle they are registered as owning.

Safety units in police vehicles 86 monitor vehicles in the locality via communication with the short-range transmitter/receiver sub-systems of the vehicles. If the police wish to stop/bar/restrict a vehicle in the locality of the police vehicle, an appropriate command 88 is issued directly via the short-range communication. Alternatively, an appropriate command may be issued through long-range communication either directly 90 via the mobile phone network, or indirectly 92 via the central controller 14.

Hence, the system provides vehicle monitoring for road charging, road safety and crime reduction purposes, and vehicle security to prevent or discourage vehicle theft. * .. * * * *e*. **** * * Is.. * *s * S 5 * 5S

S *5S S. S S... *5 S

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Claims

Claims 1 A system for monitoring a vehicle and for protecting its

security, the system comprising: an interface portion configured for engagement with a mobile communications device; remote receiving means for receiving at least one parameter associated with said vehicle through communication with said mobile communications device; wherein the interface is operable for communication between said communications device and an immobiliser of the vehicle, when said communications device is engaged, thereby to allow said vehicle to be either imniobilised or driven in dependence on said communication; and wherein said receiving means is operable to analyse the or each parameter, and * : to respond automatically in accordance with said analysis. * S **SS

2 A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said mobile communications device comprises * : a mobile telephone and said interface comprises a cradle for said telephone, provided in said vehicle. S. S

: : : : 3 A system as claimed in claim 1, or 2 wherein the or at least one parameter is a * parameter identifying said vehicle.

4 A system as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said receiving means is operable to receive a parameter identifying said communications device, and the or at least one vehicle associated parameter is a parameter identifying said communications device as being interfaced with said vehicle.

A system as claimed in any of claim 3 or 4, wherein said receiving means is operable to receive and analyse at least one vehicle associated parameter related to a position of said vehicle.

6 A system as claimed in claim 5 wherein said position related analysis comprises an analysis of the relative movement of said vehicle.

7 A system as claimed in claim 6 wherein said response comprises a calculation of a fee due for said relative movement.

8 A system as claimed in claim 7 wherein said response includes automatically collecting said fee from an account associated with said vehicle.

9 A system as claimed in claim 7 wherein said response includes automatically collecting said fee from an account associated with said mobile communications device.

A system as claimed any of claims 3 to 9, wherein said receiving means is operable to receive and analyse at least one vehicle associated parameter identifying an attempt to start said vehicle.

: *s 11 A system as claimed in claim 10 wherein said analysis comprises a determination of S..

*.... whether said attempt should be allowed, and said response is directed to allowing or *.S.

preventing the attempt accordingly. * SI * S * * II

*:. 12 A system as claimed in claim 11 wherein said determination is based on whether or not a test has been carried out on said vehicle within a specified time period. S...

* : * . 13 A system as claimed in claim 11 or 12 wherein said determination is based on whether or not the vehicle is insured.

14 A system as claimed in claim 11, 12 or 13 wherein said determination is based on whether or not said vehicle is registered A system as claimed in any of claims 11 to 14 wherein said receiving means is operable to receive and analyse a parameter identifying a prospective driver and wherein said determination is based on whether said driver should allowed to drive said vehicle.

16 A system as claimed in claim 15 wherein said identification parameter is based on an entry made to said communications device.

17 A system as claimed in claim 16 wherein said identification parameter is configured to identify said driver as being an unknown driver if an incorrect entry is made.

18 A system as claimed in claim 15, 16 or 17 wherein said determination is based on whether said driver is registered as disqualified.

19 A system as claimed in any of claims 15 to 18 wherein said determination is based on whether said driver is registered to drive said vehicle. * a, * * a I... * .** * * * SS* * ** * * S * as

S a.. *. * a a... a * a *S