Problems Seen In Photo On Licence

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29890, 2 August 1962, Page 15

Problems Seen In Photo On Licence

In his opinion the main argument against the inclusion of photographs on drivers’ licences was that they would have to be renewed every five to 10 years to be effective, the secretary of the Automobile Association. Canterbury (Mr E. S. Palliser). commenting on recent suggestions. said yesterday. The matter had not been considered by the council of the association. Mr Palliser said, but his personal view was that, though the suggestion had much to commend it in theory, the administrative problems it would involve could not be overlooked

Every year the A.A issued many international driving permits, he said, each of which required a passport-

size photograph of the holder attached.

The applicant for the permit had to obtain a photograph. and the clerk issuing the permit had to identify the applicant with his or her photograph. The checking of the photograph and attaching it to the licence took additional time, which resulted in extra cost compared with a domestic driver’s licence. However. international driving permits Were walid for only a year, and the photographs of holders could not get out of date during such a short time

Mr Palliser said that periodically one of the association's clerks asked him to decide whether the photograph submitted by an applicant was a true likeness "Where the photograph has obviously been taken a long time ago I am placed in the embarrassing position of saying it is not. and thereby requiring the applicant to get an up-to-date photograph.”