The Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) alongside the Auto Locksmiths Association (ALA) and Motor Insurance Repair and Research Centre - Thatcham have launched the Thatcham Registered Locksmith (TRL) Scheme. The scheme ensures UK vehicle security is not compromised by an EU ruling which 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 diagnostic systems, 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.
The trio hopes that the TRL Scheme – which recommends that only approved individuals should be given access to this sensitive data – is implemented on a European scale when the ruling does come into force later this year.
Successful applicants will be permitted to use the Thatcham Registered Locksmith (TRL) 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.
The scheme will see the three companies carry out triple accreditation on auto security specialists it believes should be given access to the data. Applicants will be required to undergo a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check, pass an auto locksmithing competency exam and agree to a strict 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 has the biggest rate of car crime in the world per head of population which in-turn means we should have higher security measures than other European counties and this ruling will affect the UK car industry on a much bigger scale.
“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 TRL Scheme to offer a safe solution to this one element we fear could compromise security.”
UK car manufacturers and insurers are also getting behind the campaign as they strive to ensure the billions of pounds they spend every year on developing security technology is not compromised by this ruling.
“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 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.
Master Locksmith Association
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