This is very interesting. This sort of system for vehicle position tracking has
been used by the larger trucking and shipping firms in the US for some years
now. It enables companies to use trucks, and containers much more efficiently,
meeting just-in-time delivery schedules and ship loading schedules. Moreover,
Caterpillar, a large manufacturer of trucks and heavy equipment, now provides
full-time real-time satellite-linked communication with on-board diagnostic
equipment on trucks and heavy equipment. When something begins to go wrong, the
computer signals a service control center at Caterpillar's headquarters, and
the response team contacts the operator by satellite telephone to tell him of
the problem they have learned of. In the case of trucks, they can divert the
truck, if necessary, to the nearest repair facility. Owners and drivers have
been ecstatic about the system, as it prevents major breakdowns. Far from
objecting on the grounds of privacy, the drivers have supported the system as
it makes them more efficient, and enables them to earn higher incomes by
meeting performance levels not previously obtainable. Mind you, these truckers
are professionals in every sense of the word, and there is a severe shortage of
the them, so companies do not lightly discharge them. Moreover, these vehicles
are so costly, that the hiring vetting process selects very responsible people
who can be trusted with these things. In addition, these systems have been
installed with full discussions with the drivers. Those who might not like to
be "tracked" have probably left the industry.
[log in to unmask] wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I was hoping to pick your brains on the following situation.
>
> My local authority is looking at the concept of using vehicle tracking
> technology using global positioning for real time tracking of
> individual vehicles. The benefit of using this technology is that
> vehicles and therefore operatives can be located instantly and
> accurately in the event of any incident. The other big benefit is
> security. Vehicles will be tracked 24 hours a day and will provide
> alarms if the vehicle is stolen.
>
> It has been suggested that, the technology may be used for checking
> against employees timesheets - start and finish times. The assumption
> here to verify exactly where and when the vehicle had been used by the
> individual. Is this legal under the Data Protection Act 1998.
>
>
> Under section 12 of the Act 1998 - states an individual is entitled to
> require the data controller to ensure that no decision is taken on or
> on behalf of the data controller which significantly affects that
> individual which is based solely on the processing by automatic means
> of personal data in respect of which that individual is the data
> subject for the purpose of evaluating matters relating to him such as,
> for example, his performance at work, his creditworthiness, his
> reliability or his conduct.
>
>
> I would welcome any advice you can give me on this matter.
>
>
> Regards,
>
>
> Jody
> _______________________________________________________________________
> The contents of this message do not necessarily represent the
> opinions, views, policy or procedures of Leicestershire County Council.
--
Charles A. Prescott
Vice President, International Business Development
and Government Affairs
Direct Marketing Association
1120 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10036
U.S.A.
Tel. (1) 212-790-1552
Fax. (1) 212-790-1499
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
website: www.the-dma.org
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
|