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Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency: Databases

Original answer

The Department for Transport takes the issues of privacy and data security extremely seriously, and keeps its policies on data sharing under active review.Direct access to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency's (DVLA) registers is available only to security cleared DVLA staff who have a business need to access that data, and Fujitsu database administrators. Depending on the business need, staff are able to view or amend records to maintain DVLA's registers.A full download of both the driver and vehicle registers is provided daily to the National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) for inclusion on the Police National Computer (PNC).DVLA is rolling out their Driver Validation Service (DVS) to the police to provide instant access to drivers' information through the desktop. DVS provides an interface between the Police National Computer and the drivers' register which only allows authenticated users to submit enquiries on drivers' records via the Government Secure Internet. To date 12 forces in England and Wales, and all nine forces in Scotland have live access to this service.In addition, North Wales police are piloting a new system which provides DVS through handheld devices, facilitating access to drivers' details, including photograph and signature, at the roadside. This will allow for immediate identification and help the police to enforce against unlicensed and disqualified drivers while negating the need for motorists to produce their driving licence at a police station.DVLA shares driver data with other public bodies on a case by case basis on receipt of individual applications. The government bodies that have previously requested information include:"Department for Work and Pensions;""Home Office;""Ministry of Justice;""HM Revenue and Customs;""Ministry of Defence;""Local authorities/councils;""Driver licensing authorities/operator licensing authorities in other EU/Crown dependant/oversees territories who are members of the European Car and Driving Licence Information System (EUCARIS)."The reason for disclosure will vary from Department to Department.Driver data may also be disclosed to the following types of commercial companies with the consent of the individual motorist:"Car hire companies;""Insurance companies, or their intermediaries;""Those employing drivers, or their intermediaries;""Motability."In addition to the Government Departments listed above, DVLA may also disclose vehicle data to local authorities investigating an offence or a decriminalised parking contravention, customs officers, or those individuals or public and private bodies that can demonstrate 'reasonable cause' to need such data. The types of organisations that have previously been able to demonstrate 'reasonable cause' are available at:"www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/OwningAVehicle/AdviceOnKeepingYourVehicle/DG_4022066"What constitutes 'reasonable cause' will vary from case to case. Decisions on whether to release data take account of the reasons provided for the request and the supporting evidence. Information provided in return is only that which is relevant and proportional to the Inquiry. No organisation has unfettered access.Five commercial companies are provided with a bulk download of the vehicle data, excluding vehicle keeper data, to provide vehicle checking services. This information is updated periodically and matched with police and insurance industry data so that those considering purchasing a vehicle may confirm that the vehicle is as presented and is not stolen, scrapped or seriously damaged.Finally, I refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 21 November 2007, Official Report, column 1179. The review by the Cabinet Secretary and security experts is looking at procedures within Departments and agencies for the storage and use of data. A statement on Departments' procedures will be made on completion of the review. An interim progress report on the review was published on 17 December 2007, Official Report, column 98WS, by the Cabinet Office through a written ministerial statement. I also refer the hon. Member to the statement of 17 December 2007, Official Report, columns 624-26, by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on measures to improve the security of personal data.

It has since been corrected.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

473 c211-3W; 179889

Session

2007-08

Related items

Correction to Written Answers
Thursday, 17 July 2008
Written statements
House of Commons

Correction to Commons Written Answer
Thursday, 17 July 2008
Written statements
House of Lords

Notes

Answer corrected on 17 July 2008 at 479 c54-5WS

Subjects

Databases Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk