The service cannot do much for the affected entrepreneurs, the government agency said in a response to RTL News. “This is a very unpleasant situation for the residents and companies affected by this,” the Road Transport Agency said.

The problem – piling up of fines and incorrect levies charged – has been known to RDW for some time. The first reports of this date back to 2022. Therefore, the service has initiated an investigation.

License plate data is forwarded via Italy

For example, how the number plate data (owner and address) of Dutch trucks and passenger cars ends up in Euro Parking Control (ECP). This is a company that collects fines across Europe on behalf of towns and cities, including London.

However, such data has not been provided by RDW. There is no agreement to share this with the UK if the aim of the request is to impose an environmental tax. And that is what fines are imposed on transporters, even though they have already paid the levy.

7.5 million fine

Overall, this amounts to 7.5 million euros in levies and reminder fees, RTL News reported last week based on figures from Transport in Nood. This company specializes in handling international fines.

RDW said it could not judge whether the fine was justified or not. The service has learned how ECP obtains license plate data. This has been requested from RDW by the Italian service due to a punishable traffic offence. If so, RDW must provide the data. But not for fines due to environmental zones.

Why the data was sent from Italy to EPC is being investigated at the request of RDW in Italy. RDW also ‘urgently’ asked the EPC to withdraw the fine, but so far this has not yielded results.

Object

The only thing the service can advise affected drivers and motorists is to file an appeal. For many victims, this advice comes too late, as the deadline for this has long passed. Even so, it’s still a good idea to raise an objection, according to RDW.

The service is monitoring the situation and requests for number plate data from abroad are being closely monitored. The company did not immediately respond to questions from RTL News.