Government launches rental vehicle security scheme

The Department for Transport has launched a rental vehicle security scheme which aims to increase counter-terrorism awareness and preparedness across the sector and mitigate the risk of rental vehicles being used as weapons in acts of terror.

The voluntary scheme, which is open to all UK vehicle hire firms offering short-term rental to consumers, has been developed in collaboration with the BVRLA and other industry partners, and requires participating firms to meet a set of requirements outlined in a 10-point Code of Practice, including a commitment to: lawfully share data and information with law enforcement; train staff to identify and report suspicious behaviour; appoint a recognised security contact; and only accept electronic payment for all or part of the transaction.

Although not the mandatory scheme that the BVRLA initially called for, the association believes that the scheme will demonstrate participating firms’ commitment to taking security seriously and will help in the fight against terrorism.

Chief superintendent Nick Aldworth, Counter Terrorism Policing, national coordinator for Protective Security said, ‘The introduction of the rental vehicle security scheme shows a real commitment by industry to increase the levels of security awareness, promote the reporting of suspicious behaviours, enhance security checks and encourage support for law enforcement activity against crime and terrorism across the industry. This can only be a positive thing when helping keep people safe.’

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