EU plans cross-border data sharing for vehicles

EU drivers who commit serious traffic offences in other countries in the bloc could soon find themselves in trouble when they go home.

Transport ministers in Brussels have approved legislation allowing national authorities to give one another access to vehicle registration details.

“Even within the Schengen area, information about who is where, for example passing on license numbers, is not allowed. Generally sharing information doesn’t happen, even with neighbouring countries. When we flash foreign drivers, most of the time we are on a hiding to nothing, it is too hard to track them down. The system needs to be standardised and it would be great if we could then have access to that data so we can chase up people who have infringed the law in Belgium.” said Daniel de Nève of the belgian federal police.

Speeding, drink-driving, not wearing a seatbelt and failing to stop at traffic lights are among the motoring offences covered.

The law still needs to be ratified by the European Parliament. The UK, Ireland and Denmark may decide not to adopt it, as they have opt-outs from the EU’s police co-operation plan.

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