Central Accident Records
Central Accident Records (C.A.R) deal with over 4000 recordable accidents every year that occur within the Durham Constabulary Force Area.
Contact numbers
0191 3752374 or 0191 375 2376 (Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm)
Postal Address
Central Accident Records
Operations Division
Police HQ
Aykley Heads
Durham
DH1 5TT
Email address
A typical non-recordable accident would be:
- Damage sustained to vehicles or property
- No injuries apparent
- Names and addresses exchanged at scene
- No offences committed and parties agree insurance companies can deal
- Police may be in attendance but no further action required
These incidents are dealt with via relevant insurance companies.
So what is a recordable accident?
- Accidents involving injury or fatalities
- Accidents where an offence has occurred
- Accidents involving police personnel/vehicles
These incidents are dealt with by the police and an Accident Report Form (ARF) will be completed. The information contained within this document is used in various ways:
Provision of accident related statistics to various agencies including Department of Transport
Pinpoint accident black spots and increase road safety
Help reduce road casualties by 2010
Provide relevant parties with details they require to process claim
Investigation and finalisation of accident enquiries
Provision of reports to insurance companies and solicitors
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who do I contact to obtain an accident reference number and name of the officer attending my accident?
A reference number will be generated by C.A.R staff on receipt of the Accident Report Form from the attending officer whose details will be contained within the report. Please allow 72 hours for submission then contact the C.A.R office (details above).
2. How do I obtain details of the other party?
Commonly referred to as "3rd party details" the following information can be provided to interested parties:
Name and address of driver
Vehicle make, model, and registration number
Insurance details Accident reference number
Telephone numbetd cannot be disclosed.
The information will be provided free of charge to members of the public who were directly involved in the accident. Applications must be made in writing to the above address. Please provide the following information:
Date/location of accident Your name Your vehicle registration
Insurance companies or solicitors wishing to carry out an initial search, and (or) apply, for 3rd party details should apply in writing to the above address. An initial search fee of £30 must be included and cheques should be made payable to the Chief Constable. This search fee is non refundable.
3. Can we provide witness details?
This information can only be provided to insurance companies and solicitors via a copy of the Police Accident Report.
4. Injuries were not reported at the scene but are now apparent what should I do?
If injuries are now evident but were not reported at the scene of the accident this information must be relayed to the attending officer so an Accident Report Form can be submitted.
5. I've received a questionnaire; do I need to complete it?
Completion of road traffic questionnaires are voluntary, however the information contained within them provide the decision makers with valuable data when they assess the accident files.
6. Can I obtain a copy of the Police Report?
Applications for a copy of the Police Report must be made in writing via insurance companies or solicitors to the above address. A copy of the Police Report cannot be supplied direct to the drivers involved.
7. How much is a copy of the Police Report and when will it become available?
Standard Police Report relating to Damage Only accidents = £100
Standard Police Report relating to Slight Injury accidents = £125
Standard Report relating to Serious Injury accidents = £175
Standard Report relating to Fatal accidents = £300
For details of our charges for supplementary documents not included in a standard report please contact us for a copy of our rates.
Requests for Reports must be in writing to the above address. Please include our fee and quote our accident reference number if known.
The Police Report will only be released on completion of all Police enquires.
8. What is the National Driver Improvement Scheme (N.D.I.S)?
This scheme is an alternative to prosecution for the offence of Careless Driving and is aimed at driver re-education. Further information is available at www.driver-improvement.org.uk
9. Who decides whether a case will go to court?
The ultimate decision regarding prosecution lies with the decision makers within the relevant Criminal Justice Unit.
10. How long will the accident investigation take and will I be informed of the outcome?
The length of time required to investigate an accident depends on the complexity of each individual case, however once all police enquiries are complete the relevant parties will receive a letter outlining how the case was finalised.
