Interoperability of toll systems and data protection

11.7.2022

Question for written answer  E-002504/2022
to the Commission
Rule 138
Andreas Schieder (S&D)

Directive (EU) 2019/520 allows road haulage[1] companies to benefit from the services of European Electronic Toll Service providers (service providers allowing a road user to pay tolls in at least four EU Member States with only one on-board device and one contract). However, some EETS providers use on-board equipment (OBE) not only for tolls but also for non-essential value-added services. These include geolocation systems for the permanent control of professional drivers in real time. However, Directive (EU) 2019/520 makes reference to data protection in relation to the on-board equipment and obligations of EETS service providers.

• 1.To what extent is this practice of permanent real-time monitoring of professional drivers compatible with the basic principles of ‘privacy by design’ or ‘by default’; and those of data minimisation and purpose limitation under the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679?
• 2.Does the Commission intend to take action against such practices and must infrastructure operators accept on-board equipment that clearly violates human dignity?
• 3.Would the Commission approve of such a practice if its Members had to work as professional drivers?

• [1] Directive (EU) 2019/520 on the interoperability of electronic road toll systems and facilitating cross-border exchange of information on the failure to pay road fees in the Union