DVLA suspends councils from access to database after abuses uncovered

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has taken action against nearly 300 public organisations over abuse of its database holding details of car registrations and driving licences, it has been revealed.

Campaign group Big Brother Watch, which obtained the information through a freedom of information request, said local authorities accounted overwhelmingly for the public organisations involved. However, it added that Sussex Police and Transport for London were also included in the list.

All 294 organisations had access to the DVLA database suspended, while 38 saw their access permanently revoked.

BBW said that of the issues identified, 156 came about because of audits of the database use by staff.

The group said: “Concerns about the DVLA database have been voiced for several years, but it is remarkable that in just three years nearly half the country’s councils have been suspended from looking at motorists’ information.

“It is essential members of the public know why their local council, or any other body, has faced sanctions and equally the DVLA must do far more to ensure that its data is not so wide open to abuse.”

BBW added: “The question is whether these suspensions hinder staff trying to do their job, while the staff doing the unauthorised searches escape proper punishment.

“One key issue that still has not been resolved is whether someone could be sent to prison for deliberately abusing the databases they have access to and that deterrent is badly needed.”

A DVLA spokesman said: “DVLA takes its duties with regard to the use of its data very seriously. The agency operates a stringent system with regard to electronic access to its data by local authorities, including regular audits.
 
“Where we become aware of any issues relating to the use of our data, we will investigate and take swift action where appropriate.”