A European Union (EU) ruling which could give greater access to the security codes required to start modern vehicles has undergone a security check as three vehicle security bodies propose a vetting system.
Vehicle security codes are held in micro-chips in vehicle keys, fobs or cards and are required to start engine management systems; and have been compulsory in new European cars since 1998. The Master Locksmiths Association (MLA), the Auto Locksmiths Association (ALA) and motor insurance repair and research centre Thatcham have launched the Thatcham Registered Auto Locksmith (TRAL) scheme. An EU ruling they argue would make the security data needed to start cars more readily available.
The Euro 5 emissions directive regulation passed in 2009 states that car manufacturers ‘must ensure that independent operators have easy, restriction-free and standardised … access via the internet to information on the repair and upkeep of vehicles’. The ruling was created to boost consumer choice and give supplier access to information on elements such as emission levels, on-board diagnostics, testing equipment and vehicle security codes.
Although the ruling has not yet been implemented, the MLA, ALA and Thatcham are trialling their suggested scheme to ensure those given access to security data meet an advanced standard and to counteract any concerns over who has access to this valuable information.
TRAL recommends that only approved individuals should be given access to this sensitive data, when the ruling does come into force later this year. Applicants will have to go through a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check, pass an auto locksmithing competency exam and agree to a code of conduct. Justin Freeman, technical manager from the MLA said: “The MLA is deeply concerned about the potential dangers this ruling could have on vehicle security – in effect it is the same as giving home alarm codes to anyone who asks for them irrespective of their background and motive. The UK’s vehicle crime rate was once considered as one of the highest in the world and while significant investment in technology has substantially helped to reduce this figure, the EU ruling could potentially undo a lot of the good work. Our solution with Thatcham and the ALA will ensure only licensed and fully trained security professionals will have access to this data, meaning the public and car manufacturers are protected from the risks we feel this new ruling may pose. Although we agree with the principles of the ruling which will offer greater choice to consumers we have developed the TRAL scheme to offer a safe solution to this one element we fear could compromise security.” Successful applicants will be able to use the Thatcham Registered Auto Locksmith (TRAL) scheme logo and will be listed on the Thatcham website. The list will provide mechanics, body repair specialists and vehicle owners with a guide to qualified and respectable automotive locksmiths in their area. “As the chip inside keys are required to start modern vehicles, releasing the security data without thoroughly checking why an individual requires the information could mean criminals are able to more readily create the codes to produce a new key for a stolen car,” added Justin Freeman. “Although there are of course very respectable and trustworthy specialists out there who will be responsible with the data, the MLA fear that without some sort of formal vetting procedure there will be much greater risk of rogue individuals taking advantage of the system and a potential increase in car crime.” Mike Briggs, Thatcham’s vehicle security manager said: “The Thatcham Registered Auto Locksmith scheme will provide for the first time a secure service for the replacement of lost or missing keys both for individual motorists and for businesses."
