LTNZ keeps wraps on driver data

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Local databases will not be opened up to Australia, says LTNZ

By Randal Jackson | Wellington | Tuesday, 15 April, 2008

Land Transport New Zealand will not share motor licensing information under a plan by Austroads, the main road traffic authority for Australia and New Zealand, to open up one of its most sensitive databases to help fight crime and terrorism.

Land Transport and Transit New Zealand are members of Austroads — the Association of Australian and New Zealand Road Transport and Traffic Authorities — whose mandate is to improve road and road transport.

Austroads told The Australian newspaper it is exploring ways to share information held in its National Exchange of Vehicle and Driver Information System (NEVDIS) to help law enforcement agencies and financial institutions investigate crime and the funding of terrorist activity.

However, Land Transport NZ spokesman Andy Knackstead says its local databases will not be opened up to Australia.

Austroads says opening up the information would assist in the reduction of motor vehicle theft and insurance fraud. Federal authorities told The Australian that NEVDIS could help banks and financial institutions fulfil their obligations under money laundering and counter-terrorism financing legislation.