James Button

London

Consultant

The main problem with 'ID' cards is ID verification, that is, closely following intent determination.
The policeman/whatever can see I match the picture on my free 'Local Library issued Oyster card'
(They said it would cost more in administration to charge for the card than it costs to issue it)
The Oyster system recognises the data on the card and matches it to the central records -
But how does the policeman check the data sent for checking matches the person presenting the card.
Correct eyeprint according to his portable reader, correct fingerprint according to his other portable reader. Photo matches according to his hand-held PC.
But how can he (yes sexist) tell that I am a nice law abiding person - not a grief 'crazed' potential assassin who's liable to throw a block of cement at the passing nuclear waste train?
And - if he could - then what is he going to do about the POSSIBILITY.

Finally:
In the UK, if you haven't got a NI number, then surely you are an 'alien' and should have a foriegn issue passport or id card.