Various regional dailies, 4 April 2014: 'Police may store license plate images'

"It is likely that from the beginning of 2015, the license plate data of anyone driving their car past a police camera will be stored and kept for four weeks.During this period, the police will be allowed to access and use the data if necessary for a crime investigation.

A majority of the House of Representatives yesterday seemed to back a bill on this by Minister Ivo Opstelten (Security and Justice). At least VVD, PVV, CDA, SGP and MP Bontes are in favour. The PvdA and ChristenUnie are also not against the bill, but they want to wait for further answers from the minister first. D66's support is not yet certain and the SP is outright against.

The hundreds of cameras along the roads already automatically record car registration plates, including for traffic violations. They also allow police to immediately arrest vehicles they are looking for or whose owners have outstanding fines. What is new is that all license plate data will now be stored daily in a database.

Privacy First opposes the bill and will sue the State if the Lower and Upper Houses pass it. According to the advocacy organisation, the law violates the right to privacy and therefore violates the European Convention on Human Rights.

The Chamber also calls it a heavy tool, but is nevertheless convinced of its usefulness. (...) The debate will continue soon."

Source: ANP / Brabants Dagblad, Leidsch Dagblad, Leeuwarder Courant, 4 April 2014.