Over the past five years, the vehicle rental industry has come under fire for their vetting processes, with a number of rented cars and vans being used in terrorist attacks. Seeing both the public and governing bodies call for changes to be made, it appears the UK is finally making progress in this troublesome area.
Launched by Department for Transport (DfT), the security scheme strives to increase counter-terrorism awareness, limiting the risk of rented and leased motors being used as weapons. This will be achieved by a new Code of Practice; developed by DfT in partnership with BVRLA.
Rental firms can voluntarily join in on the scheme, seeing them share their data with relevant law enforcement organisations, train their staff in a certain way and generally work in a more preventative manner. It will now be rental business’ responsibility to report suspicious behaviour and very much work in coalition with the law.
Under the scheme, companies will also be encouraged to only take payments for vehicles by card only, ensuring all customers are trackable.
Thrilled to launch the scheme, BVRLA chief executive Gerry Keaney, said:
“The BVRLA has been instrumental in leading the sector’s response to the emerging and increasingly present threat of vehicles being used in acts of terror.
“During the past two years we have worked closely with government and law enforcement organisations and although there is no single panacea for combatting terrorism, the vehicle rental sector is committed to doing all it can to deter those seeking to inflict harm on our communities.
“Long before the publication of government’s Contest counter-terrorism strategy, which outlined a commitment to working with our sector on measures to improve counter-terrorism awareness, we had already been leading the way in developing and delivering free sector-specific CT-awareness training to members, and non-members.
“Although those working in daily rental cannot, and should not, be expected to carry out the role of law enforcement, all UK citizens, including those working in our sector have an important role to play in the fight against terrorism by being vigilant and reporting anything suspicious.
“We would encourage all those operating in short-term vehicle rental to register for the scheme.”
Let us know what you think. Is this scheme the best way to tackle rental vehicles being used unlawfully? Leave your thoughts and comments with us.
