According to news reports, Police crushed a fully insured vehicle because their database was wrong.

Commenting on the case, Paul Smith, founder of the Safe Speed road safety campaign (www.safespeed.org.uk) said: "It had to happen - it was just a matter of time - and it hasn't taken very long. Policing requires a human touch and cannot be successfully carried out by cameras or computers. Technology makes a great servant, but a cruel and incompetent master."

"British policing has long been regarded as the best in the world - but is becoming an international laughing stock. Sir Robert Peel must be turning in his grave."

"Is the Home Office responsible for these changes and this blunder?"