Federal State Secretary Philippe De Backer (Open Vld) wants to use data from mileage checks and number-plate recognition cameras to fight social fraud, he told VTM Nieuws on Sunday. The Liberal MP once again called for fewer checks at night to help day-time traffic.
The distance a lorry travels on Belgian motorways is electronically registered by ViaPass, the interregional body that organises the mileage checks. A large network of cameras also monitors a lorry’s number plate for stop checks.
There is a whole database available because of this and De Backer wants to use it. “It would allow social inspection services to check if the rules on tachygraphs, cabotage and driving and resting hours are being respected more quickly and efficiently”.
The State Secretary doesn’t see any privacy concerns. He thinks these are proportionate measures against “social dumping”. A proposal for a bill that would introduce the automatic exchange of data and insure the necessary guarantees is currently being drawn up.
Mr De Backer highlighted the positive results with regards to the fight against social dumping over the last few years. He said that 226 million euro came back to the government's coffers through these measures in 2017. “There have never been so many inspectors and checks or as much revenue. The revenue from the fight against social fraud has doubled compared to previous regimes.”
t
The Brussels Times
