Tough new checks if you hire a vehicle

DRIVERS wanting to hire a vehicle in Britain will face extra checks under Government plans designed to thwart terrorists.

Information handed over to rental companies – including names, address and financial details – could be cross-checked against police watchlists as part of the crackdown.

Those wanting to rent vans and trucks could also be told to provide more personal details as officials consider whether more information could help spot likely attackers.

It is hoped the information submitted for bookings could be used to flag people of concern before they are handed the keys.

The proposal comes amid growing concern among ministers at the ease with which potential terrorists can rent vehicles. Barcelona was the latest target for a terror attack using a rental vehicle after similar incidents in Westminster, London Bridge and Nice.

But the plans are likely to cause concern that innocent motorists could be subjected to long delays.

Last night a Government spokesman said: ‘The threat from terrorism is changing and so must our response. That is why we are reviewing our counter-terrorism strategy and powers and why we have ploughed extra resources into counter-terrorism.

‘The Department for Transport is also working with the police and the vehicle rental industry to explore what more can be done to prevent the malicious use of hire vehicles.

‘This includes looking at what more rental companies could do before an individual can hire a vehicle.’ The atrocity in Barcelona came after Islamic State issued a terror manual last year instructing recruits to drive a lorry into pedestrians.

The group’s magazine, Rumiyah, said it was the best way to ‘harvest’ large numbers of non-believers as it would leave behind a ‘trail of carnage’. It cited as a ‘superb demonstration’ the attack in Nice where 86 people were massacred when a 19-tonne cargo truck was driven into crowds of people celebrating Bastille Day.

Last week the Barcelona attackers used two rental vans – one to run over pedestrians and another as a suspected getaway vehicle – to kill 13 people.

Home Office and Department for Transport officials have held talks with the car rental industry about bringing in tougher measures.

Toby Poston, of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association, told The Sunday Telegraph: ‘The industry is looking at ways to share data with the authorities in as real time as possible so it can be cross-referenced with counter-terrorism watchlists.’

The Government said ministers were also working to improve protection in public spaces, including increased physical security measures at locations such as bridges and city centres. It is understood this includes bollards on bridges and busy streets to prevent vehicles being driven on to pavements.

A spokesman added: ‘At the same time people should not be afraid to go about their daily lives. We ask that people remain alert but not alarmed and report anything suspicious to the police.’

‘Trail of carnage’