Brussels, 20/02/2012 (Agence Europe) - Integrating the professional driver card in the driving licence could bring about problems regarding the principles of data protection. It will be necessary to merge the two cards as part of the revision of the digital tachograph. The European Data Protection Controller (EDPC) returned a negative opinion on this subject on Friday 17 February, and suggests that the Commission take better account of the risks of a merger of this kind and carry out an impact assessment on privacy and security.
The EDPC advocates assessing the impact of a chip in the driving licence, and properly defining the type of data which will be stored there. The European controller recommends a proportionate approach, offering guarantees to individuals' rights. Giovanni Buttarelli, the deputy EDPC, said that “we have serious doubts as to the need and proportionality of a measure of this kind, which have yet to be demonstrated. A coherent approach is vital for the head of the legislator, to ensure that the development of any measure regarding drivers' data is carried out in full respect of the principles of data protection.”
On 12 December last year, the Council took position partially in favour of revising the legislation on the digital tachograph, but at this stage is leaving aside the issue of the driver card (see EUROPE 10514). The European Parliament will tackle the question in the near future. (MD/transl.fl)