Taxi Driver Online

Data Strategy

September 13, 2006

HEADLINE: DVLA data use to get clamped

Strict new rules governing access to DVLA data will crack down on controversial usage by car clamping firms, bailiffs and debt collectors.

The announcement of 14 new measures by Minister of State at the Department for Transport (DfT) Dr Stephen Ladyman will tighten access and the policing of data users - but should not affect legitimate service providers.

DfT announced a review last year, with public consultation this February. The move followed media condemnation of the #6.3m reaped by the DVLA from data sales.

Public anger was also caused by the supply of vehicle registration information to wheel-clamping companies and debt chasers. A review of the data on the DLVA's files also revealed that as many as a third of all records contained inaccuracies.

Under the existing rules, any individual or private company can request access if they are able to show "reasonable cause". A fee of #2.50 per record is levied and data on 33 million vehicles delivered at an anonymised, vehicle level.

New guidelines on what constitutes "reasonable cause" have been drawn up.
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I picked up a mush from one of the clamping firms the other day, they had been down for some sort of conference.

Anyway asked him about this and he said that unless the gov change the law, then not a lot will change.

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IDFIMH