ANPR is used everywhere these days, going for the ferry last year, they just confirmed our names when i put the window down, then flagged us through. No passports, no showing our booking, just straight on!
I doubt for one minute that the car being registered to one of the people named on the passenger list was responsible for no checks taking place when leaving the UK, more like they were running late and just wanted to get you on board.
Like yourself we have no problem departing the UK (even in vehicles that are not registered to anybody travelling), but we get the full treatment when we come back....EVERY f**king time.
Nope, was about 1 hour early, done about 4 recent trips on tunnel & ferry, departing the UK only once was our passports checked

Got 1 treatment for the full search, but as soon as i popped the boot (it was totally rammed with camping and snowboards) I looked at the inspector and said, if you take that stuff out, YOU, and only YOU are putting that back in. And if i miss my crossing, i want compensation.
The boot was open for about 25 seconds, nothing removed, it was shut and i was on my way again
