Vehicle tracking is essential to fleet management, given that it reduces fuel costs, improves asset security, and optimises overall operations. Yet, the use of such tracking also carries important legal obligations.
In the UK, strict regulations govern how GPS tracking can be used with regard to privacy and the handling of personal data. Consequently, failing to comply with these rules can put a business at risk of financial penalties and reputational damage.
In this guide, we’ll go over the legal requirements of vehicle tracking in the UK and provide practical tips to help you guarantee compliance.
Is GPS Tracking Legal in the UK?
Whether using a GPS tracker is legal depends on the context. For instance, if you are monitoring a vehicle that you personally own, then there are no legal restrictions for doing so.
However, the situation is different when tracking fleet vehicles. This is because monitoring an employee’s use of a vehicle without their knowledge or consent is unlawful, and so full transparency is needed.
Vehicle Tracking Laws in the UK
Two particular pieces of legislation regulate the use of vehicle tracking in the UK. These are the Data Protection Act and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Data Protection Act
The Data Protection Act sets out fundamental rules on how personal data must be handled. Specifically, it requires organisations to process information fairly and lawfully, and to be transparent with employees about what data is being collected and why.
Where company vehicles are also for personal use, employers must ensure that drivers have the option to disable tracking outside working hours in order to protect their right to privacy.
GDPR
GDPR strengthens data protection principles in that it demands explicit consent before tracking data is gathered. Likewise, it also provides employees with more rights, such as the ability to access their information, make corrections, or have it deleted.
Moreover, GDPR requires that any tracking data collected is kept secure through encryption, and also that employers limit data collection for legitimate business reasons. For example, monitoring delivery routes, rather than an employee’s every movement.
What is GPS Jamming?
GPS jamming is where a device that deliberately interferes with or blocks satellite tracking signals is used. These devices are unlawful in the UK, and anyone caught using them will face a significant fine.
Similarly, attempting to alter or falsify tracking data is illegal. Not to mention, this will only work to damage the trust employees have and should therefore be completely avoided.
How to Track Fleet Vehicles Legally
To protect your business from legal disputes, reputational damage, and employee distrust related to fleet tracking, you should:
- Create a tracking policy: Clearly explain what data will be collected, the reason for it, and how the information will be used.
- Obtain consent: Get written consent from all employees confirming they understand and agree to the policy. If any part of the policy changes, consent must also be updated.
- Collect only necessary data: Restrict tracking to data that is directly relevant to business operations.
- Offer privacy controls: When vehicles are used outside of working hours, drivers should be given the option to turn tracking off.
- Protect data: Implement strong encryption and carry out security audits. Data should only be stored for as long as it serves a legitimate purpose.
- Review policies regularly: Conduct ongoing reviews to make sure you remain compliant with the latest regulations and update them as required.
Ensure Vehicle Tracking Compliance with MICHELIN Connected Fleet
Using GPS technology responsibly is integral to balancing business efficiency with employee privacy. Through following legal requirements, gaining informed consent, and maintaining transparency via clear policies, your organisation can reduce risk while unlocking all the benefits of vehicle tracking.
At MICHELIN Connected Fleet, our fleet management solutions are designed with compliance at their core by how a cloud-based system safeguards employee data while still providing every insight you need to control costs and improve operational performance.
If you’re interested in optimising your fleet operations with confidence, then be sure to make an enquiry into our services today to learn how we can support your business.
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