Preliminary discovery under UCPR r 5.2(1)(b) does not require the applicant to establish that the information sought will necessarily reveal the identity of the prospective defendant; it is sufficient that the information 'tends to assist' in ascertaining identity, even if further inquiries will be needed. Vehicle registration records identifying the owner or registered operator of a vehicle tend to assist in ascertaining the identity of the driver. The availability of FOI as an alternative route does not make it unreasonable to resort to preliminary discovery, particularly where FOI would involve cost, delay and uncertainty.
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