[QUOTE 3477435, member: 9609"]
Does this apply to all crime ? or is it just another "get off" especially for motorists as its not really a proper crime[/QUOTE]No, just stuff like dangerous and careless driving. Careless is indeed not a crime, it's an offence.
There are exceptions to cover certain eventualities, but if the driver isn't NIPd within 14 days he can't be prosecuted. Could still be done if hes commuting document offences, but the chance to have them for the actual driving itself has passed.
The police have no statutory duty to just have a "quiet chat". The guy drove like an utter twot, and because of the time that has passed the police powers to act upon those offences have expired. Period.