A briefing paper issued to New Zealand’s new Transport Minister David Parker has indicated that the national motor vehicle register is too open, and should be restricted.

In the 2004/05 year, more than 8 million vehicle owner details were given to the public, at the cost of $NZ2.25 ($2.11) a time.

And while the briefing said direct marketers were the largest users – they download around 250,000 records a month – car thieves, stalkers and even road-ragers also used the register to track people or target their vehicles.

“These records are used to compile mailing lists for advertising or market research,” the briefing said. “Many people resent the fact that personal details which they are compelled by law to provide are made available for commercial purposes. The Minister for Transport Safety, the Privacy Commissioner and the Registrar of Motor Vehicles have all received complaints on this matter. The Privacy Commissioner has called for a ban on release of personal information from public registers for commercial purposes.”   

The register is owned by the Transport Ministry and administered by government agency Land Transport New Zealand. There are currently no restrictions on what the information can be used for.

A new access system is likely to be introduced next year.

“The access regime recognises that some forms of public disclosure are beneficial,” the briefing paper said. “Therefore it will permit access by insurance companies for the purposes of pursuing an insurance claim and by solicitors for pursuing civil claims generally. Provision is also made for advising owners of manufacturers’ safety recalls.”