There was a time when the government pledged to reduce the amount of data from the DVLA falling into the hands of parking enforcement businesses. However, this would appear to have not happened as many motorists have been finding out.
There was supposed to have been an overhaul of the checking system that the DVLA and the Department of Transport, which was done with around eighty firms becoming fully entitled to check out the owners of the vehicles which have been illegally parked.
Nevertheless, despite these new checks on certain firms, it seems that there is other, which has slipped through the net, and yet they are still able to get in touch with the DVLA to obtain the personal details of a vehicle owner.
In documents uncovered by the Lib Dem Transport spokesman, Norman Baker it shows that there were over three hundred thousand enquires of which around sixty thousand were postal request for driver details made to the DVLA by filling in a simple form which costs the firms just £2.50.
Mr Baker said last night: 'Despite all the campaigning and all the promises, it's clear that nothing much has changed.
'Companies with something to hide or that fall short of the standards required can get round the rules without difficulty.'
These companies are charged with dealing with drivers, who park on private property and land, but the industry is virtually unregulated and this does frighten some people.
A DVLA mentioned: 'Unauthorised parking on private land is a widespread problem. The DVLA has to strike a balance, allowing fair enforcement but protecting motorists.'
In response to this the there are concerns that the DVLA will give out information on drivers, but will not inform the driver that this information has been requested.
A spokesperson for Information Commissioner Richard Thomas said they would study The Mail on Sunday's story and would 'not hesitate to take further action if required'.
He added: 'If drivers have evidence that their information is being used inappropriately, they should complain to the Information Commissioner's Office.'
Source [Daily Mail]
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