31 Jul 2008

Vehicle registry bill 'hinders' freedom of information

1:24 pm on 31 July 2008

A Parliamentary select committee has been told that plans to restrict access to the motor vehicle register hinders the right to freedom of information.

At present, the name and address of anyone with a registered car can be obtained at a Post Shop but that will end under the Land Transport Amendment Bill.

The Press Council told the Transport & Industrial Select Committee on Thursday that the Bill will prevent journalists gathering information that is in the public interest.

The council says there is already provision for vehicle owners to request their details be kept confidential.

It says the public get most of their information from the media and have a right to be informed.