Italian Police Accused of Illegal EU Drivers’ Data Access for UK Fines
The Italian data protection authority has initiated an investigation following claims that personal details of EU drivers were unlawfully accessed by an unnamed Italian police department and shared with Euro Parking Collections. This firm, contracted by Transport for London (TfL), is responsible for issuing penalties associated with London’s low emission zone (Lez) and ultra-low emission zone (Ulez) regulations. The allegations stem from accusations made by the Belgian government, with additional concerns raised by authorities in the Netherlands and Germany, suggesting a potentially massive breach of EU data and privacy laws.
This incident has provoked serious questions regarding the enforcement of London’s clean air initiatives on foreign vehicles, especially in the wake of Brexit. The UK’s departure from the EU restricts access to personal data of EU citizens to instances involving criminal offences. However, breaching Ulez rules constitutes a civil contravention, raising doubts about the legality of the fines issued. The controversy has been amplified by reports of incorrect Ulez fines being levied on hundreds of thousands of British immigrants and EU nationals, with some drivers facing charges amounting to thousands of Euros.
Transport for London has refuted these claims, asserting that Euro Parking Collections did not utilize Italian police resources to obtain driver information. Nevertheless, the issue has attracted scrutiny and criticism from various quarters, including Caroline Pidgeon, a Liberal Democrat member of the London Assembly. She has called for TfL to halt the issuance of fines to EU citizens through Euro Parking Collections until it can guarantee compliance with legal standards, emphasizing the potential damage to London’s reputation as a leading tourist destination and the integrity of its governance.
The ongoing investigations into this matter highlight the critical importance of adhering to privacy laws and the need for robust safeguards against the misuse of personal data. With Belgium urging the European Commission to implement new protective measures, this case serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding data access and privacy in a post-Brexit Europe. It underscores the necessity for international cooperation and legal compliance in the management and enforcement of environmental policies across borders.
