181.This section amends VERA to allow the particulars to be included in the register of vehicles held by the DVLA and DVLNI to be prescribed by regulations and such particulars may relate to the vehicle itself or its keeper. The provision of these particulars can be required of a person before being issued with a vehicle licence. These particulars can also be required of a vehicle keeper (not just of a buyer or seller as currently) and the providing of these particulars may be required at any time. The issue of a registration document may be refused if these particulars are not provided.
182.The present intention is to make regulations listing the information (relating both to the vehicle and its keeper) required for the DVLA and DVLNI vehicle registers and this will include the particulars currently held. This information will also include the odometer reading (recorded mileage) of the vehicle where it is fitted with such a device and the keeper's date of birth.
183.This section amends the RTA to replicate in respect of goods vehicles, provision which already exists for other motor vehicles:-
to place the Secretary of State under a duty to maintain records in relation to the testing of goods vehicles, and
to provide that such records may be used to check the accuracy of, amend or supplement, records maintained by the Secretary of State for the purposes of his functions under VERA (and vice versa).
184.In addition, VERA is amended to provide that goods vehicle testing records may be used to check the accuracy of, amend or supplement, information obtained in connection with vehicle identity check examinations (and vice versa). It replicates provision which already exists for other motor vehicles.
185.This section provides statutory authority for the relevant agencies - the DVLA in, Great Britain, and Driver and Vehicle Licensing Northern Ireland (DVLNI), in Northern Ireland - to disclose certain data to their foreign counterparts. The relevant data held by DVLA and DVLNI is that concerning driving licences and the registration of vehicles held in any form for the purposes of Part 3 or 4 of the RTA, or Part 2 of the VERA, or Part 2 or Articles 70 to 79 of the Road Traffic (Northern Ireland) Order 1981.
186.This statutory authority will enable the United Kingdom to ratify the Treaty on European Vehicle and Driving Licence Information System (EUCARIS) which was signed by the UK, Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands on 29th June 2000. (The Treaty is designed to facilitate the exchange between the central registrars of the Parties of information on the subject of driving and vehicle registration).