Commentary on Sections Part 3: Other Provisions Relating to Vehicle Crime Sections 37 and 38: Miscellaneous
53.Section 37 amends a time limit in the Theft Act 1968 so that proceedings relating to the unauthorised taking of a mechanically propelled vehicle may be commenced at any time within six months from the date on which sufficient evidence to bring a prosecution came to the knowledge of the prosecutor.  It is subject to a general requirement that any prosecution must be brought within three years of the offence taking place.
54.Section 38 allows the Secretary of State to make payments to public authorities in respect of their expenditure on the prevention and detection of speed and red light offences and on enforcement action relating to such offences.  This will in turn, with the agreement of the Treasury, enable money from fixed penalties for such offences to be recycled to fund such future prevention, detection and enforcement activities.  In practice this will enable resources to be directed towards the installation and use of safety cameras.