Author:

ROBIN ROBERTS

There are big changes looming for drivers.

The EC has given the go-ahead for new plastic licences to include biometric data on drivers, but no address, and these could come into effect as soon as 2015, by which time the UK Government has said it wants to end the need for the  paper counterpart to the present licence.

There are concerns over what data is to be put onto the smart licence and how they might be used by thieves to steal drivers’ identities, and the change could make it more difficult for businesses to check driver’s entitlement unless they use an independent verification service.

Drivers are also possibly going to benefit if the Competition Commission says insurance companies are overcharging for policies. A few weeks ago it was told to investigate the system which has been used for decades in Britain.

It has been asked to probe premiums after the Office for Fair Trading said it had discovered a “dysfunctional” industry which was out of step with today’s market and technology.

The issue of business car insurance can be addressed by consulting our special section  and the need to thoroughly check out your driver’s details should be part of your company car policy .