RDW2007 Annual Report RDW MOST

Transcription

RDW
YEAR 11 NUMBER 1 2008
2007 Annual Report
New APK
frequency:
RDW 2007 Annual Report
Reduction in
adminIstration
saves millions
RDW MOST
INNOVATIVE
GOVERNMENT
ORGANISATION
Cars becoming greener and greener (p. 50) / Traffic columns by Bettine Vriesekoop
(p.20), Martin Bril (p.23) AND Ton Roks (p.47) / Well-known cars from the big screen (p. 30)
What is the RDW
Text and images Liselore Chevalier
Leonie van Heezik (22), STUDENT.
Oh yes I know them. Besides my
studying, I work for an insurance company, so I should
really know it. The RDW is the Road Traffic
Department. They’re responsible for everything related
to cars and motorcycles, registration numbers, insurance
details, vehicle registration and such things”.
“The RDW?
What exactly does the abbreviation RDW stand for and what do
they actually do? We asked a number of people during a visit to
the Albert Cuyp market in Amsterdam. Many people knew it, others
knew something about it and a few had never heard of it. But the
fact that the RDW does a lot more than vehicle registration and
roadworthiness inspections was an eye-opener for quite a few people.
“The RDW?
I work for the Ministry of Transport and Water
Management, so it would not be credible if I didn’t know the
RDW. Did you know that on the website of
the RDW you can obtain specific registration number
information? Always good to know”.
Hilda van Hal (32),
Marketing Manager.
They have a green logo, I’m sure
about that, and they have something to do with the traffic.
Er… traffic signs, traffic jams? Oh dear, I know them
from somewhere, but I can’t tell you where from”.
“The RDW?
I really don’t have a clue what
the RDW does and what the abbreviation stands
for. Is it terrible that I don’t know this, I’m in the
middle of doing my driving licence and no one has ever
mentioned it up to now! Ha-ha”.
“The RDW?
Rob Overste (47), Market Salesman.
2 RDW annual report 2007
4
Profile of the RDW
6
Interview Supervisory Board
8
Highlights 2007
12
Interview Management Board
14
RDW people on the road to work
16
Danielle Rack (29),
Service Officer.
them. I got a really smart exemption permit from them. In addition to number
plates and periodic vehicle inspections (APKs), they’re involved in just
about anything concerning cars and things in the Netherlands”.
12
18
30
Mr. Hensems (51),
Economist.
“The RDW Yes, I recently bought a car, so I’m familiar with
Table
of contents
38
In 1996, the RDW was given independent status as a self-governing body
(ZBO). Since then, the RDW no longer
goes by its full name ‘Government Road
Traffic Department’, but simply as RDW.
STRATEGIC ACTIVITIES
58
APK inspection report:
Everything you ever wanted
to know about the APK inspection
report
60
Number plate quiz: know your
number plate
62
Governance
64
FINANCIAL RESULTS
& OUTLOOK
20
Column by Bettine Vriesekoop
23
Column by Martin Bril
29
Human Resources
30
Film cars: stars on wheels
34
Import inspections:
The number of imported cars
increases every year
87
Other information
88
Officials
RDW people on the road going home
89
Officials’ addresses
CORE ACTIVITIES
90
Next issue and publication
47
Column by Ton Roks
91
Abbreviations and definitions
48
What does the RDW inspect?
92
50
Green on the road: The cars are becoming
cleaner
In the backseat
with Minister Eurlings
38
40
54
Digitisation: RDW 2.0
67
82
83
2007 RDW FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS
AUDITOR’S REPORT
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
34
60
3
The
Profile of the RDW
World
of the
RDW
Who are we?
The RDW, the vehicle authority in the Netherlands,
monitors the safety and environmental aspects of motor
vehicles in the Netherlands. In addition, the RDW
registers information about vehicles, their owners and
the issued documents, such as registration numbers
and driving licences. Furthermore, the RDW provides
information about these aspects to authorities at home
and abroad. With this special knowledge, we advise
interested parties, take part in meetings at EU and ECE
level, play a central role in international information
exchange and collaborate in fighting fraud, crime
and terrorism. All this work is in the interest of the
Netherlands in general and vehicle owners in particular.
Mission
“The RDW is the professional and reliable
partner for all parties in the vehicle chain”.
What do we do?
Licensing
Licensing vehicles and vehicle parts for entry into the Dutch and
European market in accordance with technical specifications.
Supervision and control
Supervising companies approved by the RDW. Performing
checks on the technical state of vehicles in connection with safety
and environmental requirements.
Registration and information provision
Collecting, storing, processing and managing information about
vehicles, their owners and vehicle documentation. Providing
information on this data
Issuing documents
Issuing documents related to vehicles and their owners or
keepers.
Where are we active?
As the Dutch vehicle licensing authority, the RDW performs
inspections of new vehicles and vehicle parts. Our clients
include vehicle manufacturers and importers from across the
world. The RDW also shares it knowledge in advisory and
joint venture projects abroad in the field of road safety. In
addition, the RDW works with sister organisations in the field
of European regulations. Below you can see in which countries
the RDW is active.
Argentina Brazil Canada Colombia Mexico USA
Belgium Bulgaria Denmark Germany Estonia
Finland France Greece United Kingdom Hungary
Ireland Iceland Italy Croatia Lithuania Luxemburg
Macedonia Norway Austria Poland Portugal
Romania Slovenia Slovakia Spain Czech Republic
Turkey Belarus Sweden Switzerland
Egypt Tunisia South Africa
China Philippines India Indonesia Iran Israel Japan
Korea Malaysia Singapore Taiwan Thailand Vietnam
Australia New Zealand
Business relations
The RDW deals with numerous external parties. From the
police who want to track down a car, to a manufacturer
developing a new model, and vehicle owners who want to
take to the road in these new models. Also entrepreneurs
who require special exemption for abnormal loads,
insurance companies that provide statutory third-party
insurance and, of course, the different ministries. The RDW
wants to be a professional and reliable partner to each one of
these. The common interest of all the parties in the vehicle
chain is paramount.
Ministry of Transport and Water Management (V&W)
Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning and
the Environment (VROM)
Ministry of Home Affairs and Kingdom Territories (BZK)
Public Prosecution Service (OM)
Tax authorities
BOVAG
Stichting Aanpak Voertuigcriminaliteit
ANWB
Postkantoren BV
Municipalities
Vehicle owners and driving licence holders
Providers
Police
Garages
Insurance companies
Manufacturers
Scrap metal companies
Transport companies
‘
The RDW is the
professional and reliable
partner for all parties
in the vehicle chain
’
5
INTERVIEW Supervisory Board
TEXT Guus Peters PHOTOGRAPHY Merlijn Doomernik
‘ Service
provision
is our
core
business
‘
Tineke Netelenbos,
Chair of the Supervisory
Board of the RDW
In terms of service provision, 2007 was an
excellent year: Our services and products
were good and, with a view to the future,
we are continuing to expand our digital
services.
Q Are there still any benefits to gain in the field of
electronic services?
A “These have grown enormously. The public has online access to
their own or second-hand vehicles they are interested in. Garages
can directly submit their roadworthiness test results, making
the whole exercise cheaper. And we’re moving forward in our
collaboration with municipal councils. It will soon be possible to
apply for your driving licence using your computer at home. At the
moment, you still need to go to the RDW counter at your local
town hall. All the available information will be made accessible
to the public, with due consideration for privacy, of course. In
addition, the information is available to different bodies like the
police, for instance, which is working really well. The chances
of getting caught driving without a roadworthiness certificate or
insurance are quite good”.
Q An important issue in 2007 was the Framework Act
for Self-Governing Bodies (ZBO). How did you find
the experience?
A “Well, let’s just say the battle is over. We managed to negotiate
one exception: We can keep our own collective labour agreement
(CAO) and this will be enshrined in law. This is important,
because we want to maintain flexible working conditions and,
for example, opening hours. Only then will we be able to align
our services the best we can to the needs of the public and the
corporate sector”.
Q It was agreed in the coalition government
agreement that state influence has to be reduced by
ten percent. This also applies to the RDW. But is this
possible?
A “The RDW is working hard on it, but there is obviously a limit
to what can be done. It is very positive that staff are prepared to put
more effort in during busy times. This means that the Dutch public
does not have to wait very long when they need the RDW. Service
provision is our core business. Of course, it is possible to set such a
target, but you cannot deprive a self-governing body (ZBO) whose
entire operations are geared to serving the public, and that already
functions highly efficiently, of 138 FTEs”.
Q What would the consequences be?
A “The RDW is already efficient and has low overhead costs. Most
of our people are found on the work floor; in other words, if such
a measure is implemented, it will create problems. Waiting times
will increase as a result, which obviously no one wants to see, the
Supervisory Board included. We want people to be satisfied with
the service provided by the RDW and indeed they all are. It also
does not fit the character of a ZBO. We already keep a critical eye
on efficiency, we ensure that we keep our charges low, or even lower
them further: we pay a lot of attention to costs”.
Q Is it purely a question of capacity?
A “Yes, combined with the problem identified by the staff,
which is that the workload is already very high. In my opinion:
if we’re going to have to give up FTEs, let us also identify what
we no longer have to achieve. It is especially strange because
more and more tasks and duties are shifted onto the RDW. Just
look at the enormous operation to register and license all the
scooters and mopeds, the debate going on about different ways
of paying for mobility and registration and licensing of tractors.
In addition, the Cabinet has made bicycle theft a top priority;
we’re forever facing more and more tasks, and that requires
human resources. The RDW is certainly not an organisation
carrying around surplus fat and, if you’re already working
efficiently, this 10% measure will have a greater impact than, say,
on a government department. And, by the way, the department
is more than happy to acknowledge that we are efficient”.
Q You won a case in the European
Court of Justice for import
procedures.
A “That was a good outcome. We had
anticipated it by thinking about the way we
were using the rules, and there was room for
improvement from a European perspective.
The whole process has become less
bureaucratic, which means that we won the
case. This is good, because the main issue was
fraud prevention. Otherwise we could have
been importing cars with a dubious history”.
Q What is your opinion of the
Supervisory Board?
A “It is a harmonious group. Everyone has their own expertise.
Elly Plooij (the Secretary) hails from the European Parliament
and has a good understanding of international development. Piet
de Kam is our IT specialist and Kees Vrins has a background in
the AbvaKabo labour movement and knows all about human
resources policy. Pieter Paul van Besouw is a former director
of the Bank Nederlandse Gemeenten. He is our financial
expert. And, as Chair, I have a general political perspective on
development”.
Q What about standardising the RDW reserves?
A “This debate has been going on for as long as I’ve been on the
Supervisory Board. I don’t think the RDW should run the risk of
our prices going up and down all the time. The Ministry of Finance
now wants a different approach, but what for? Our organisation
ensures that the rates charged to the public – because that’s what
it’s all about in the end – remain low and stable. In the event of an
economic downturn, the vehicle sector is the first to feel the effects.
The RDW also notices it immediately, and for that you need a
buffer to avoid having to increase your charges. It’s saving for a
rainy day, and there is nothing wrong with that”.
Q But from a financial point of view, is the RDW
healthy?
A “Most certainly. We, the Supervisory Board, keep a close eye
on charges. In 2007, the charges decreased by an average of
2.5%, in 2008 by 2.2%”.
Q The RDW invests a lot in training its staff. Will
that remain so in the future?
A “It certainly should if we want to stay among the top road traffic
departments in Europe. Vehicle technology continues to innovate all
the time, so it makes sense that you keep on offering staff training.
This involves major investments every year, the same as in ITC.
But if you’re adopting a more open attitude towards the public and
the business sector, you also have to think about communicating
information and make sure that the information is properly protected.
The information we supply must actually be correct”.
Q Was there anything that worried you in 2007?
A “The most worrying development in 2007 was the ZBO debate.
It ended well - we’re staying as a self-governing body - but the issue
around ZBO status and responsibilities continues to fester. It’s fine if
they say 'no more civil servants and staff than necessary'. And it's also
necessary to fine comb the departments from time to time. However,
this does not mean that you can simply demand that 10% of the
entire workforce leave. An organisation that is funded by the charges
it imposes must deliver quality services, should not have waiting lists
and must be as cheap as possible. Well, that is exactly the case at the
RDW”.
The 2007 financial statements included in the annual report were audited
by KPMG. The auditor’s report is contained on page 82. The Supervisory
Board approved the 2007 annual report during its meeting on 25th April
2008. The Supervisory Board accounts for its own functioning to the
Minister of Transport and Water Management in a separate report, which
is available at www.rdw.nl.
Zoetermeer, 25th April 2008
Supervisory Board,
(Ms.) T. Netelenbos
P.P.J.J. van Besouw
(Ms.) Dr. P.C. Plooij-van Gorsel
P.W. de Kam
C.A. Vrins
7
Highlights 2007
January
RDW director
Johan Hakkenberg
and Co Hoogendoorn,
director of Vts Politie
Nederland.
Notification
charge
on invoice
With effect from 1st January 2007,
the APK inspection ‘notification
charge’ is specified on the client
invoice. This now meets the
wishes of parliament for more
transparency.
March
Call Centre
Manager
of the Year
April
New
agreement
with the police
The police and the RDW signed a new agreement in April,
agreeing that reciprocal services are to be fully adapted
to the latest information technology. The police consult
the RDW records intensively; in 2006, for example,
the vehicle registration database was consulted
160 million times. Where appropriate, after consulting
the database, the police would add the note ‘stolen’.
With the introduction of a new
transit number plate, the RDW solves
a significant part of the transit
problems for the vehicle and export
sector. The ‘seven-day number plate’
disappeared on 1st July 2007. With
the transit number plate, vehicles
with no number plate registration
can use roads worldwide. The
number plate – a white plate with
black numbers and letters – is valid
for 14 days and can be applied for at
an RDW inspection site.
Registration embargo
for payment arrears
During the National Call Centre Conference
on 22nd March 2007 held in the Amsterdam
Arena, RDW member of staff, Hans Nieuwenweg,
was named Call Centre Manager of the Year.
He won more than two thousand votes.
Nieuwenweg’s reaction: ‘I not only try to identify
with our clients, but also with my staff’. He is
trusted with this role – he started as a
‘Telephone Information Officer’ more than
twenty years ago. The Client Contact Centre of
the RDW annually receives more than a million
telephone calls and also deals with
queries by email, in writing
and at public service counters.
People with payment arrears wishing to register a car, motorcycle, caravan, scooter or any other vehicle in their
name at the Post Office are in for a surprise with effect
from 2007. This is possible thanks to closer cooperation
between the tax authorities and the RDW, which have now
linked their information. People who repeatedly default on
their vehicle tax payments are registered with the RDW. The
information is linked to the civil service number (formerly
tax and national insurance number). Whoever is in arrears
with payments is caught out in this way. The pilot registration embargo project was launched in a number of regions
and will be introduced nationally in 2008.
June
Handwritten exemption
a thing of the past
The introduction of a new electronic exemption permit in June 2007
means that cases are dealt with quickly and reliably and it reduces the
paper mountain. Printing or manually filling in pre-printed exemption forms
is a thing of the past. Authorised agents, Post Offices and RDW counters
no longer have to order pre-printed exemption forms from the RDW. Proof of
exemption and the corresponding information is now printed out in
black-and-white on a blank A4 sheet by the issuing authority
New
transit
number plate
and certified by means of an official stamp.
Higher
standards
for bumpers
July
Johan Hakkenberg, Minister Eurlings
and Ernst Uildriks, Director of Stichting NAP.
Together against
odometer fraud
Stichting Nationale Autopas (NAP) and the RDW submitted
a joint proposal in July to Camiel Eurlings, Minister of
Transport, to introduce mandatory odometer registration.
This is to combat a common form of fraud when buying
second-hand cars and motorcycles. A vendor who fails
to reveal that the odometer has been tampered with is
liable for prosecution. It is expected that the minister will
decide early in 2008 to amend legislation on this point,
after which mandatory registration can be implemented in
2009 or 2010. The NAP and RDW proposal has cross-party
support within the Dutch Parliament. During the ‘lifetime’
of the car, the reading can be updated several times: upon
transfer, registration, installation of a tachograph, etc. The
recommendation is to perfect the method used by NAP,
which has voluntarily been registering odometer readings
for 16 years now as part of the fight against vehicle crime.
September
A ‘bumper’ at the back of a lorry
or trailer prevents cars from ending
up under a lorry in a head-tail collision.
The standards for these bumpers
were adjusted on 11th September 2007:
they must be able to withstand twice
the impact than was the case before.
When fitting a bumper, account must
be taken of the presence of a tail lift.
The old bumpers are allowed until
11th March 2010 when they have to
be replaced by bumpers that meet
the new European requirements.
Fewer visits for
APK inspections
Passenger cars and light delivery vans dating from after
1st January 2005 that run on petrol require less frequent APK
inspections. The new schedule for these categories will be:
first inspection after four years followed by an inspection every
two years. For the benefit of road safety and the environment, the
same inspection frequency will be maintained for cars run on diesel
and LPG. Their first inspection is after three years, followed by an
annual inspection. The new schedule comes into operation on 1st
January 2008. Private vehicle owners can confirm their APK
inspection date on the website of the RDW.
9
Highlights 2007
RDW inspects vehicles for
live animal transport
On 15th October 2007, the RDW took over technical
inspections for vehicles transporting live animals
from the Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority
October
(‘Voedsel- en Warenautoriteit’). This usually concerns
commercial vehicles or trailers. Containers and ships for
transporting live animals are also inspected by the RDW.
Identity checks
for imported
vehicles
allowed
The RDW may continue with identity
checks on vehicles imported from other
EU countries following a ruling by the
European Court of Justice. The European
Commission wanted to abolish these
checks because, in their opinion, it could
hinder free trade. The Netherlands argued
that identity checks are an important tool in
the fight against vehicle crime. A vehicle
from abroad could, after all, be a stolen
vehicle or could have been given a new
identity. Technical inspection of cars
imported from other EU countries is no
longer allowed as ruled by the European
Court of Justice. The ruling has no
consequences; the RDW stopped APK
inspections for this category back in 2006
already.
See also page 34.
With effect from November 2007, a remarkably designed letter
replaces the strictly business-like APK inspection reminder.
Vehicle owners receive this letter from the RDW six weeks
before the inspection is due. In addition, this mailing contains
a brochure and a contract card. Useful information such as
the frequency of the inspection and the inspection criteria
is contained in the brochure. The contract card is for making
clear arrangements with the garage in advance, such as the
maximum cost of repairs. Furthermore, clients are directed to
www.apk.nl with very detailed information about all aspects
of the inspection.
New
registration
certificate
on the
internet
It is still possible to request a new
registration certificate from the Post Office,
but vehicle owners who’d rather do it from the
comfort of their own home can request a
replacement certificate online 24/7 with effect
from November 2007. The electronic
application procedure does not fundamentally
differ from the procedure on paper. To effect
payments, the RDW cooperates with
iDEAL electronic payment option.
If a request is submitted before
8 p.m. and paid for electronically,
the registration document
is printed on the following
working day.
Accessible
annual report
rewarded
RDW
charges
reduced
Reduced administrative burden,
service at the lowest possible cost.
The RDW again worked hard in 2007
to meet this government requirement.
A growing number of services are
offered or processed electronically.
The fees charged by the RDW dropped
by an average of 2.5% in 2007.
The rates can be found at
www.rdw.nl.
Longer and heavier lorry combinations (so-called eco-combis)
must meet stricter requirements with effect from 1st November
2007. These ‘road trains’ must be fitted with mirrors that meet
the latest European rules. They must have an advance braking
system, as well as an axle load measurement system and a
shield on the back of the vehicle must show the contours of the
combinations, as well as the total length in metres. Drivers must
have at least five years experience and be in possession of an
additional driving certificate. Eco-combis are only allowed on
designated roads.
The IT magazine Computable chose the RDW as the ‘most innovative government
organisation of 2007’ and awarded it with the Computable Award. The prize is
for professionals, projects and companies that distinguish themselves in the
IT field. With the introduction of the new credit card format driving licence,
the RDW certainly succeeded in doing this, according to the jury. The entire
‘vehicle chain’ is fully digitised: registration processes between municipal
authorities, the RDW, driving licence authority CBR and manufacturer Sdu are
fully electronic. The RDW was ‘the strongest link’ in the chain. According to RDW
director Johan Hakkenberg, the driving licence card has been a huge success.
Twice as many driving licences than normal were issued in one year.
Striking
APK reminder
Short-track registration procedure via the internet: this is
already possible for new light goods vehicles and trailers.
Thanks to a new RDW internet application, registration can
now also be applied for online for new heavy goods vehicles
(weighing more than 3500kg). After filling in the required data,
the applicant can immediately see in the register what the new
registration number will be. This saves time when having to
organise other matters such as a petrol card and insurance.
Stricter requirements for eco-combis
RDW the most
innovative
government
organisation
November
Quicker number plates
for heavy goods
vehicles
An annual report that reads like a storm, contained in
an innovative cover. It’s a document that not only
highlights successes, but also presents a balanced picture.
This praise was lavished on the RDW during the award of the
F.G.Kordes Trophy. This distinction is awarded annually
to the government or semi-government organisation with the most
accessible annual report. The trophy is named after the former
president of the Auditor General, F.G. Kordes, who was committed
to improving the quality of reporting and performance accountability
in the public sector. The Minister of Home Affairs, Guusje ter Horst,
handed the trophy to the RDW on 12th December 2007 during a symposium
held in The Hague.
December
Bicycle gone?
Consult the
database
During 2007, the RDW put its weight behind creating a national bicycle
theft database. The database can be consulted via the internet with effect
from 2008. Stolen bicycles can be ‘identified’ there as stolen, provided
the theft has been reported to the police. This knowledge is useful for
potential buyers of a second-hand bicycle, or for victims of theft who want
to check whether their report of theft to the police has been processed.
To check information in the database, you require a combination of the
frame number and brand name of the bicycle, or the electronic chip
number. Only 15% of bicycle thefts are reported to the police. The
database should encourage people to report theft and thus help to reduce
a typically Dutch and very annoying form of criminality.
Supervision
of RDW changed
The RDW keeps its status as a SelfGoverning Body (ZBO) but a number of the
service's Supervisory Board's competencies are
transferring to the Ministry of Transport and
Water Management. This is laid down in the ZBO
Framework Act (Kaderwet ZBO’s). The Act, dealt
with in 2007, transfers a number
of competencies to the Minister such as
appointing, suspending, dismissing and
remunerating the management board, approval
of the financial statements and the power
to overturn formal decisions. The argument
is that as long as the minister is responsible, the
decision making should also be vested there. The
measure is a benefit for democratic control
according to the Minister and parliament.
11
INTERVIEW MANAGEMENT BOARD
Q The RDW were also given new tasks.
A “That's right. For example design and layout inspections of vehicles for live
animal transport. The Ministry of Agriculture used to do that, but we’re now
taking it over. We already get to see the vehicles anyway. It is also better for our
clients because they now only have to deal with one agent. And, at the
minister’s request, we also set up a bicycle theft register. Some 800,000 bicycles
are stolen every year, which is one of the greatest annoyances for the public.
Something is being done about it now; we already have a couple of million
bicycles recorded on the register”.
TEXT Guus Peters PHOTOGRAPHY Merlijn Doomernik
‘ Lots
achieved
in 2007’
Q How are the plans going for paying differently
for mobility (‘Anders Betalen voor Mobiliteit’)?
A “It has been decided, certainly also from a cost perspective, to phase it in
gradually. First lorries and then passenger cars. We’re going to apply satellite
technology in very much the same way as mobile telephone providers, in fact.
Market forces will be allowed; in other words, different providers will be
involved. In any case, we have to provide information about the owner of a
vehicle. Each year, three million cars change hands and we keep a record of
that. We also have to provide a table of charges. After all, drivers will be paying
on the basis of time, place and, for example, environmental features of the car.
This data also comes from the RDW. And equipment will have to be installed
in the cars. We have the experience required to monitor this and to take care of
the registration process”.
Q One of the most significant changes in 2007 was altering the
APK inspection frequency. What did this mean for the RDW?
A “The previous Cabinet already insisted on a 25% reduction in the
administrative burden for the corporate sector and the public. The RDW had to
achieve this 25% almost entirely on its own, and we did so mainly through APK
inspections. The frequency for cars running on petrol was changed to four yours
for the first inspection, followed by two biennial inspections and then one every
year. We call this the 4-2-2-1 system in our professional jargon. This produces a
reduction of some tens of millions. For us it meant different system
modifications. The reminders had to be changed (it now takes the form of a nice
little brochure), as did the information on our website for garages, consumers
and the police. The final decision in Parliament was taken in the summer, but we
were already busy with it in April”.
Q What is the situation as far as monitoring APK inspections is
concerned?
A “The RDW takes full responsibility for enforcement. Efficiency on the side of
the Public Prosecution Service and the courts means that more cases can be dealt
with. As a result, violators can face a fine up to two or three times a year. Partly
as a consequence of this, the number of people failing to report for an inspection
on time is drastically declining. The chance of getting caught is 100%, and you
can see that”.
Q Are there any further developments on the APK front?
A “Yes, in 2008 we’re going to look at updating and modernising the inspection.
Cars these days have all sorts of new gadgets and technology – engine
management systems, ESP, airbags, ABS – and, in this sense, the inspection has
not kept abreast with the developments. We’re going to see to what extent
adding new parts can create added value for road safety and the environment”.
Q How did the RDW perform financially in 2007?
A “We booked an operating surplus of EUR 6.9 million. Turnover was higher
than expected, especially because of a better economic cycle and by being able to
keep our total costs under control. In the years ahead, this amount will be given
back to the public and the corporate sector by means of reduced charges”.
Q How did the RDW’s electronic services perform?
A “They continued to improve. In the first instance, we’re talking about
information. If you want to import or convert a car, you’ve lost your papers or
you have a question, you are no longer required to phone between nine and five
- you can access our website seven days a week, 24 hours a day. We provide
information through different channels (telephone, mail, emails, the website)
and it is essential that you are given the same information through all these
Q Are there any European developments?
A “Yes, our Deputy Director, Hans van der Bruggen, has been elected chair of
the European registration authorities for a period of three years. In addition,
we’re running the secretariat for all 24 affiliated countries. The EReg is
primarily for exchanging information and promoting cooperation, for example
for settling traffic offences committed abroad, such as Dutch people speeding
in Germany or Germans who flout the rules here. The European Commission
is working towards a single European number plate, but that’s not something
that can be done overnight. It's useful to organise the registration authorities of
all these countries together”.
Hans van Santen,
Director of Operations at the RDW
Johan Hakkenberg,
General Manager of the RDW
channels. To this end, we have a knowledge database, which we’re also
going to put on the internet”.
Q Are there any other internet developments?
A “In 2007 we also launched transactions via the internet. For example,
you can now request a replacement registration certificate on your own
PC at home. Suspending a vehicle will also soon be fully computerised”.
Q Has there been any further progress in the ICT field?
A “There has been a lot of focus on how we can align our ICT options
with the changing demand of government authorities, the public and the
corporate sector. To use a grand word, we call it the ‘architecture debate’.
In this context, we obviously take a look at developments in
e-government. E-government aims to improve cooperation between the
different authorities through better alignment of ICT options. We have
also considered reducing our dependency on our mainframe, the main
computer. We don’t want to be dependent on one manufacturer of one
type of computer. This will improve our position on the ICT market.
Finally, in the years ahead, we will look at which ICT tools will no longer
be required in the future and can be disposed of. That will be an
important step towards better ICT management”.
Q There was some unrest among employees in 2007.
Negotiations for the new collective labour agreement
(CAO) took some time.
A “Indeed, ten months. A lot of this was because of the more businesslike approach that we introduced. We ask a lot of people and they work hard
at the RDW. Things are looking up for the economy and the RDW, and we
have reserves. This is mainly thanks to the staff, according to the staff
themselves. There is some truth in that assertion. In addition, the Cabinet
introduced measures, which people can feel in their purses, such as the
health insurance scheme. The account for this is presented to employers.
The new CAO is for the next 3.5 years. Negotiations were focused on a full
thirteenth month, which will be introduced in a number of years”.
Q And the RDW won some prizes.
A “The F.G. Kordes Trophy for the best annual report in the public/semipublic sector. Minister Ter Horst presented this trophy and Minister Eurlings
congratulated us. Thanks to the format and design, it is much easier to read,
which has become evident. And we won the Computable Award for the most
innovative government organisation for the driving licence project. Our call
centre was recognized with the Manager of the Year award. We get some five
thousand telephone calls a day. Quick response, correct advice, having the
right answer at the ready – the RDW manages to do this very well. The
atmosphere at work is good and we have an excellent monitoring system.
People working on the email section can switch to the telephones when it gets
really busy”.
Q What caused you concerns in 2007?
A “The message from the trade unions when negotiations got stuck, that the
motivation of staff was falling. The RDW is known for its enthusiastic and
motivated staff. This was supported by the results of a staff satisfaction survey.
The management was not aware of the fact that staff morale was under
pressure. We should have been alert to the signs earlier. We organised five
meetings with staff and asked them what their grievances were. Many
complained about the workload, but there were also age-related problems and
too much emphasis on efficiency. It became clear to us that there was too
much pressure on the organisation and too little appreciation and reward. We
were not fully aware of some of the issues but we're addressing the issues now.
On the other hand, it was also good to see that staff enthusiastically represented the RDW during a meeting to recruit new members of staff. The event,
which was held at the Euroborg, attracted more than 450 interested people”.
13
7:06
a.m.
RDW people on the road
Text & Pictures Liselore Chevalier
r Wal (30)
Anne van deTester.
are
es
Position: Softw
bit as the bus do
and walking a
Transport: Bus,
or.
do
the
of
not stop in front
hours.
p.
One and a half
ably taking a na
Journey time:
ding but prefer
rea
me
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e:
Passing tim
TO
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ffi
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cca
Rebe n: Senior APR
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.
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inutes aper whilst
Transp time: 30 m
g the p
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Passin bus.
the
or on
The fact that the RDW
contributes towards the
safest, cleanest, most
economical and organised
form of road traffic may be
clear. But how do RDW staff
contribute to this
traffic and what do they
do to make their journey to
work a pleasant one?
n (50
)
Position: Exemption
Specialist.
Transport: Motorcycle.
Make: BMW K1100 LT
Special Edition, but you
can leave
that last bit out …
Journey time: Without
traffic jams, 25 minutes
.
Fortunately I don’t ofte
n get caught in traffic
jams.
Passing time: Riding
the motorbike and stay
ing alert.
Marja Juistenga (27)
Position: ICT Purchasing.
Transport: Car.
Make: Citroën.
Journey time: 20 minutes.
.
Passing time: Waking up with coffee
.
a.m
Dora Strijk (38)
er.
Position: Administrative Offic
time, I’m completely happy.
Transport: Bus. If it runs on
tes to an hour.
Journey time: Roughly 45 minu
or chatting to fellow
Passing time: Filing my nails
passengers.
8:10 a.m.
Maa
Posit rtje
Gee
io
Tran n: Res
rds
ea
s
(27)
car is port: Bu rch Ma
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Mak mine!
if my ement O
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Jour
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:
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h the
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(61)
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s. T
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we sta
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g
Journe time: Fetchin p on work.
g
hu
Passin am and catc
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to Ve
8:14 a.m.
Idske Dijkstra (43)
gy and External Development.
Position: Account Manager, Strate
as I can.
Transport: I ride my bicycle as often
Make: Gazelle.
Journey tome: 20 minutes.
sorting things out a bit in my
Passing time: Enjoying the ride and
air.
fresh
the
in
head
lt (33) the APR departmen
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as
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Position Bus.
make-u
rt:
oing my
Transpo me: 15 minutes. bit of music, d
a
ti
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Journey
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time: Li
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Positio
r (45) 3)
n: Prod
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Transp
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Type: W : Bicycle.
stem M
it
anager.
togeth h luggage ca
rrier! A
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eption,
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all you'r me: Holding
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!
alling fo
r
derink (32)
Maarten Koen cer, Knowledge Centre.
Offi
Position: Technical
Transport: Car.
n Passat.
Make: Volkswage
utes.
roximately 40 min
Journey time: App
listening to music.
ing breakfast and
Passing time: Eat
2
8:0
7:59 a.m.
Mark Dol (20)
r management
cement and 24-hou
8:07 a.m.
Peter Schilthuize
8:12
7:32 a.m.
7:40 a.m.
7:51
.
8:04 a.m
8:05 a.m.
.
a.m
Henny Taken (49)
.
Position: Work pla
Transport: Car.
t 205.
re than
Make: Red Peugeo
r. This morning, mo
mally half an hou
Journey time: Nor
rs.
to
hou
f
ng
one and a hal
fic jams, listeni
nting cars in the traf
Passing time: Cou
Q-Music.
Position: Technical VLG Offic
er.
Transport: Car.
Make: A Fiat of course. I used
to work for Iveco,
so it was an easy choice.
Passing time: Keeping an
eye on the traffic.
8:20 a.m.
s (20o)ntinuity.
ey Vo
C
Jeffrn: Front-Office
Positio rt: Scooter.
o
Transp ilera.
utes.
G
Make: time: 10 min …
y
ng
e
Journ time: Steeri
g
Passin
3
8:2
m.
a.
Mathilde Witkam (25)
Position: Junior Legal Consultancy
Officer.
Transport: Bus.
Journey time: 15 minutes, but longe
r if the bridge is open for
shipping traffic.
Passing time: Reading the paper
- at least, if I can find a seat.
8:24 a.m.
15
Strategic activities
1
Objectivice
e
ng serv
Guaranteei
continuity
Complexity of ICT systems
Reducing and managing the complexity of the ICT system has
been an important focus for some time now. However, due to a
range of new projects and technical developments, the
complexity continues to increase. A study was conducted in
2007 into the causes and consequences of the increasing
complexity. In this context, different approaches were considered
for managing the complexity. The study resulted in different
follow-up actions, such as process improvements and a so-called
clean-up timetable.
Reliability and security of ICT systems
Proper protection of systems and communication with other
organisations is a pre-requisite for functioning as a reliable
partner in the vehicle chain. The RDW’s security policy is
contained in the ‘Beleidsnota Betrouwbaarheidsmanagement’
[reliability management policy memorandum], which was
reviewed in 2007. Among other things, the RDW responds to
this by complying with the ‘Voorschrift Informatiebeveiliging
Rijksoverheid’ [government rules for information security]
(VIR). Like in previous years, the RDW was certified ‘VIRproof ’ by an independent auditor.
Preparations were started in 2006 for the ISO standard for
process-based implementation and management of the
Information Security Code (27001). Progress was made with
this in 2007. The ICT division is the first RDW division to be
certified.
Audits are also part of reliability management, for example the
audit to ascertain whether our databases, processes and policy
measures comply with the Information Security Code. The
regular audit of BKR and CRB systems in 2007 produced an
unqualified opinion.
Using the so-called public key infrastructure (PKI), the RDW
protects its online services to recognized agents with the aid of
software certificates. However, it is safer to use smartcards,
which is why the use of these cards has been extended. The
RDW also accepts smartcards from third parties.
GAIK: Online registration of number plate
manufacturers
Finally, protection of our services is changing because, besides
familiar clients, an increasing number of unknown clients are
communicating with our systems, using the internet among
other things. This results in different requirements for access
security, for example. A programme was launched at the RDW
to further develop identity management (IDM) on a project
basis.
Using the online management and issuing and returning of
number plates (‘Gecontroleerde Afgifte en Inname van
Kentekenplaten online’ - GAIK Online) system, number plate
manufacturers and laminators can register the issuing of blank
number plates with the RDW online with effect from November
2007. Thanks to this new internet application, number plate
manufacturers and laminators no longer have to submit a copy
of their entire production and issuing records to the RDW every
year. The new administration system means a saving of some
EUR 400,000 a year for the corporate sector.
ICT renewal
The issue of ‘ICT renewal’ is high on the agenda. A number of
projects are running in this context. The RDW has decided on
‘platform independence’.
In order to achieve this, a conversion is required of the
information systems based on Cobol. A ‘conversion plant’ was
built in 2007 to do this. It is able to convert more than 95% of
the software semi-automatically. The conversion is expected to
be completed during 2008.
A practice test was performed in 2007 on the software and the
management architecture for the new production platform. Tests
were performed on the infrastructure, applications, security and
performance. The test revealed that the configuration designs
meet the requirements. An audit performed by Gartner
confirmed this.
The main outlines of the migration to a new mainframe have
been worked out. During the first half of 2008, the migration
strategy and the corresponding process will be further
elaborated.
Information policy
A major project in 2007 was the preparation and elaboration of
the legislative process concerning the implementation of the
Basic Vehicle Registration and the new information provision
policy. It is expected to be implemented on 1st June 2008.
It was also established whether information from the licensing
database should be labelled non-sensitive and authentic or not
authentic. The sensitivity refers not only to people, but also to
competition and fraud.
An important point in the new legislation is that government
bodies may request and receive all the information. In addition,
non-sensitive information may be provided to anyone and
sensitive information may only be provided to the owner/keeper
or people and organisations designated by the Minister for
special purposes. Providing name and address data for
commercial purposes was stopped on 1st March 2007 following
the implementation of the so-called NAW (name and address)
Decree.
This legislative amendment also requires government authorities
to provide authentic information from the licensing database,
which is the basic vehicle register in the Netherlands. The
background to this is the fact that the public and the corporate
sector are only required to supply their personal and vehicle data
once to the RDW register. All the authorities that have to use
Electronic exemption certificates
this data as part of their work may only request it from the
RDW. This system reduces administrative charges to the public
and the corporate sector and improves the quality of services by
getting rid of outdated information.
Two new tasks have been linked to the information policy:
facilitating the so-called report-back duty and supervising
information provision. Authorities are required to report any
doubts that they may have about the integrity of information.
The RDW must subsequently investigate this report-back, if
necessary, by requesting the vehicle be presented for an
inspection. The eventual result will be a higher quality database.
This supervision must ensure that the information provided is
not used wrongfully. Both of these new tasks will be finalised
following the amended Road Traffic Act taking effect early in
2008.
Administrative charges
Since 2003, the RDW has been working on reducing
administrative charges to the public and the corporate sector.
These are charges faced by the public and the corporate sector in
order to comply with information requirements arising from
government legislation and regulations. It concerns gathering,
processing, registering, storing and making available
information. The administrative burden – measured in terms of
money and time – is inevitable, but the RDW aims to reduce it.
The RDW and CBR agreed with the Ministry of Transport and
Water Management to reduce the administrative burden in this
domain by EUR 120.8 million and 1.9 million hours from EUR
386.4 million and 13.2 million hours by the end of 2008. By
the end of 2007, a reduction of more than EUR 99.1 million
and 163,000 hours had been achieved. For the corporate sector
and the public, this breaks down to EUR 61.9 million and EUR
37.2 million respectively.
In 2007, the RDW worked on the following projects in order to
reduce the administrative burden for the public and corporate
sector:
In 2007, the RDW managed to reduce administrative charges
for exemption certificate holders by EUR 1.8 million by offering
them the option to print an exemption certificate directly from
the commercial fleet online system (ORB). After performing
computerised checks, the RDW sends the information for the
completed exemption certificate and the commercial fleet
certificate electronically to the computer of the certificate holder.
This information is then printed on blank A4 paper. Under the
old system, the certificate holder had to transcribe the
information from the ORB personally and print it on a form. It
is still possible for certificate holders to use the old system.
Quicker printing and filing of APK inspection reports
An APK inspection report contains information about the
inspection that was performed. In 2007, the RDW introduced the
possibility to report inspection results directly to the RDW and to
print the inspection report from a database. Manual completion of
the inspection result and filing of the report is no longer required in
that case. This saves the corporate sector EUR 18.2 million.
Statutory report costs on the invoice
Sometimes inspection agencies invoiced clients under the item
‘afmeldkosten RDW’ (APK inspection report charges) – charges
that were not transparent. Inspection agents are now only
allowed to charge the publicised inspection report charge under
this item, which has to be specified on the invoice. The RDW
strives to keep costs at a minimum for the corporate sector and
the public has the right to benefit from this too.
‘Manifest group’
Improved services to clients, more effective implementation and
a reduction in administrative charges to the public. These are the
objectives of the implementation agencies that are affiliated to
the innovation in implementation (‘Manifest Innovatie in
Uitvoering’) group. The organisations are working together to
improve services. Developing clever ICT is an essential part of
this. For example, technology makes it possible for organisations
to exchange information (one-time processing through the basic
registers) and for the public to do more of their business with
17
the authorities via the internet at a time that suits them. In
2007, several new services under the direction of the different
participating parties were implemented, including portals for
migrating to or from abroad, death and changes in income.
The RDW was actively involved in this.
Objective 2
of current
High-quality performance
ing
tify
iden
and
ks
and future tas
so
ng
doi
in
ups
target gro
Bicycle theft database
can be accessed on www.rdw.nl
Since 1st June 2003, the RDW has officially been in charge of
a national database of stolen bicycles. The primary goal of the
register is to serve as a detection tool for the police and it is
now a major tool in tackling bicycle theft. However, it must be
used to its full potential, for which the necessary steps have
been taken in recent years. Almost all of the police forces now
have a direct link between their systems and the database. In
addition, all of the stolen bicycles fitted with a chip are being
entered retrospectively back to 1st January 2007. The
information in the bicycle theft database has been available at
www.rdw.nl since the beginning of 2008. Users can then check
on the site whether a bicycle is registered as stolen.
Environmental issues
One of the objectives of the current Cabinet policy is a
considerable improvement of the air quality in the Netherlands.
For the implementation of all of the environmental measures
introduced in the vehicle domain, the RDW is a vital partner in
the chain for the Ministries of Public Housing, Spatial Planning
and the Environment (VROM), Finance and Transport and
Water Management.
For example, a range of grant schemes was developed in close
cooperation with the RDW to encourage the fitting of carbon
filters to passenger cars and heavy goods vehicles not yet fitted
with such a filter. With respect to heavy goods vehicles, a
number of municipal councils (Utrecht, Eindhoven, Tilburg,
Rotterdam) introduced so-called green zones in 2007 to keep
heavily-polluting goods vehicles out of city centres. A number of
municipal councils will follow suit in 2008.
At the request of the Ministry of VROM and the insurance
sector, the RDW site was further expanded in 2007. With effect
from 16th October 2007, everyone can access environmental
and insurance information at www.rdw.nl. After entering the
registration number, one can see what the vehicle’s CO2
emissions are. Vehicle owners can also check whether insurance
details are correctly registered by the RDW. If a vehicle is
registered as uninsured and suspension of the vehicle registration
has not been requested, the owner risks a penalty of EUR 320.
Odometer file
The Ministry of Transport and Water Management has asked the
RDW and the stichting Nationale Autopas (NAP) to develop a
plan for registering odometer readings. A proposal was
submitted to the Minister of Transport mid-2007. Both agencies
advise the introduction of compulsory registration of odometer
readings, which will be updated at different points in a vehicle’s
lifecycle. In other words, on transfer of ownership, inscription,
inclusion in a commercial fleet, fitting of a tachograph, speed
limiter or LPG tank and during repairs and maintenance at
garages. Odometer readings will also be registered compulsorily
upon the sale of company cars.
This will make tampering with odometers more obvious.
Adjusting odometers for technical reasons must be subject to
stricter monitoring. The car industry has an important part to
play. It is proposed that only registered RDW agents be given
this authority. The RDW expects the Ministry of Transport to
come up with a decision in the near future.
Paying differently for mobility
The RDW has a pioneering role in the Netherlands in the field of
electronic vehicle identification. In this context, at the beginning
of 2007, the Ministry of Transport and Water Management
instructed the RDW, together with Public Works and Water
Management and the national penalty collection agency (Centraal
Justitieel Incasso Bureau - CJIB), to develop an action plan for
designing the process and system architecture for different ways of
paying for mobility. The basic principle of the plan is the phased
introduction of road user charges. It was written for the interim
situation, which the Ministry had initially opted for. However,
now that the Cabinet has decided to implement the full solution,
employing the latest technology in the process, the role of the
RDW will change. It makes sense to involve the RDW in the
implementation of road charges. The plan developed for the
interim situation has now been adjusted to the Cabinet’s decision.
This plan can be a support for the final plans.
The 'paying differently for mobility' project is a well-considered
choice by the Cabinet to introduce a charge for every kilometre
travelled. The Cabinet decision of 30th November 2007 to take a
significant, irreversible and practical step in this direction in the
current legislative period means that there has to be a clear effort
to introduce road charges.
Electronic government
With the e-Government project, the Cabinet wants to exploit the
opportunities offered by ICT to improve services to the public
and corporate sector. The RDW is involved in e-Government by
participating in developments such as streamlining basic data, the
public service number (‘Burgerservicenummer’), the DigiD
(digital identification) login code and the personal internet page.
New electronic services
As part of e-Government, the RDW is working hard to make
services available to the public and the corporate sector via
the website. At the end of 2007, two electronic services were
launched, including online applications for a replacement
registration certificate. This has significantly simplified the
whole application procedure for car owners. If the application
is submitted before 8 p.m., the new registration certificate is
issued the next working day.
In addition to this new electronic service, ‘web self-service’
(WSS) was also made available. This is a new information
channel for visitors to rdw.nl. Clients can use web self-service
to search by topic or situation. Through a series of questions,
they are then given the correct answers. Visitors can use the
answers as a link to the next topic. The RDW intends to offer
more services electronically. For example, changing the colour
of vehicles and the option to suspend registration.
Improving existing
electronic services
Online vehicle information – OVI
OVI, the application for requesting vehicle information online, was
expanded significantly in 2007. Visitors to the site can now also
access environmental information and see whether a vehicle is
registered by the RDW as insured. The proof that this information
is relevant to vehicle owners lies in the enormous increase in the use
of the application. Assurance about correct registration of insurance
data is important. Being properly registered avoids penalties when
the databases are audited. The number of hits increased by more
than 20% in the final quarter of the year. The total number of hits
in 2007 was 28.5 million.
Expansion of electronic services is in line with the development of
e-Government. The RDW provides insight into the basic vehicle
register.
Other information that can be accessed includes details about the
CO2 emissions and fuel consumption of a vehicle. All
environmental information can be seen, which means the
environmental performance of a vehicle is immediately clear. The
fuel economy rating and information about whether the vehicle is
fitted with a diesel carbon filter can also be seen. This information
is especially interesting when buying a car.
The Dutch scientific research agency (TNO) has investigated the
user-friendliness of the electronic services. The recommendations
for improvement have been incorporated into the new version of
OVI. The information is now presented according to topics and
placed on accessible tabs.
The RDW will further expand electronic services in 2008 with the
bicycle theft database and the link to Mijnoverheid.nl.
Alcohol lock programme
The alcohol lock programme (‘Alcoholslot Programma’) was
launched in 2007. This is a new, innovative tool for tackling
drink driving. It consists of a breathalyser with an immobiliser
fitted to the car. There is also a supporting educational
programme offered by the CBR called ‘Alcohol in het verkeer’
(alcohol and traffic). The programme is aimed at heavy alcohol
users who are responsible for a relatively large proportion of
alcohol-related accidents. The strength of the project is in the
combination of technology and the policy programme. A pilot
project was launched in the first half of 2008.
Participants in the alcohol lock programme are people who
have lost their driving licence because of drink driving. They
are issued with a new valid driving licence with an
endorsement, which is valid for two years. During this period,
the participant’s use of alcohol in traffic is monitored by
means of a built-in ‘alcohol lock’ in the car. If the driver’s
behaviour is correct, he or she gets a ‘normal’ valid driving
licence at the end of the programme. Implementation takes
place in close cooperation with the police, the Public
Prosecution Service, the Ministry of Justice, CBR, the
Ministry of Traffic and Water Management and the RDW.
Stricter enforcement of APK and thirdparty vehicle insurance
The RDW verifies whether vehicles are insured against thirdparty claims as required by law (‘Wet Aansprakelijkheidsverzekering Motorrijtuigen’ - WAM) and whether vehicles report
on time for a periodic roadworthiness (APK) inspection. This is
done at the instruction of the Ministry of Justice.
In recent years, the RDW has joined force with the Ministry of
19
Column byBettine
Bettine Vriesekoop
a
Getting around in Chin
still vivid in my mind.
My first impressions of Beijing are
and overcrowded with
The streets are chaotic, disgusting
ugh each other. A lot
thro
bicycles zigzagging around and
visited China.
first
I
n
whe
0
198
has changed since
ared from the road,
The bicycles have largely disappe
ants of the city centre
abit
inh
ss
replaced by cars. Countle
removed to the suburbs
have been forcefully or otherwise
that can no longer be
es
of Beijing and now live at distanc
os has remained.
cha
c
traffi
the
,
covered by bicycles. Still
the Chinese are the
Watching the traffic, it is clear that
es straight ahead
driv
e
ultimate individualists. Everyon
rors. If you miss
mir
w
-vie
rear
r
thei
in
without a glimpse
r to get back
ulde
sho
a turn-off, you simply use the hard the driving habits,
ring
side
Con
to where you need to be.
in Beijing. But appearI actually see very few accidents
the most dangerous
has
ances can be deceptive; China
road traffic accidents
,000
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200
roads in the world: in
,000 deaths and
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ple are killed
peo
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that
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560,000 injuries. This mea
ause China has a populaon Chinese roads every day. Bec
appear relative. However,
tion of 1.3 billion, these figures
eight times as many acly
tive
rela
research has shown that
compared to the US. The
cidents per year occur in China
main reason why I don’t
dangerous traffic situation is the
is constantly changing,
re
uctu
astr
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drive in China. The
blem and every day my
parking anywhere is always a pro
lved in an accident.
invo
g
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taxi is a breath away from
the traffic in Beijing
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the number of cars,
in
and, because of the daily increase
ving at night on
Dri
.
low
ly
tive
the driving speed is rela
now that is actually
the provincial roads in the south…
my life; driving on
for
ed
really dangerous. I literally fear
swerve at the last
tly
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freq
to
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er
unlit roads, my driv
without lights or
cart
se
minute to avoid an overloaded hor
no lights.
with
road
the
of
dle
something else in the mid
to
be prepared face danEvery media correspondent must
s on the roads. I deal
lurk
ger; in China, the biggest danger
and by asking
dark
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n
whe
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with it by limiting driv
atio
the situ n and drive
my taxi driver to take account of
thing that can happen to
st
carefully. Losing face is the wor
essary tact when making
a Chinese person, so I use the nec
ple, “I’ve just come
such a request by saying, for exam
nauseous. Do you mind
bit
a
feel
from the doctor and still
driving a bit slower?”
China, you’re at the
Once trapped in a mobile taxi in
er be favouring you.
bett
’d
they
mercy of the gods. And
1) is a former
Bettine Vriesekoop (196
mpion.
cha
nis
ten
le
tab
European
respondent
cor
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ng
She has been worki
and NRC.next.
ad
sbl
in China for NRC Handel
Justice to simplify and speed up the WAM and APK
enforcement process. As a result, full enforcement was achieved
in 2007 with respect to the APK.
To enforce the insurance requirement, the RDW will work with
the Ministry of Justice in 2008 to further reduce the number of
cases ‘set aside’ because insurance companies failed to register
policies in the WAM register (about 30%) on time. The first
measure was implemented in 2007: information published on
www.rdw.nl about whether a vehicle is registered by the RDW as
insured.
More measures will follow in the first half of 2008.
The RDW is simplifying the registration of insurance policies for
insurance companies. In addition, the RDW will make
information available about insurance companies’ registration
records. Finally, the RDW will participate in 2008 with the
Public Prosecution Service’s ‘OM-afdoening’ project set up by
the Ministry of Justice. The aim of this project is a more efficient
process in the criminal justice chain. To this end, modifications
were introduced in RDW systems in 2007.
Insurance register
In recent years, the RDW has worked on improving information
from and change processing in the central third-party vehicle
insurance register CRWAM. The RDW wants to make the
information available to insurance companies and agents at low
cost and in a user-friendly and standardised format. Phase 1 and
2 of this improvement project focused in particular on reporting
changes to the CRWAM. Phase 3 was completed in 2007, which
included looking into the feedback of the process reports. These
reports are no longer dispatched in hard copy, but in electronic
format in accordance with a so-called FileTransfer service. For
insurers/agents this means that they have to request access to this
service from the RDW. Using a digital certificate, they obtain
access to the application via the internet to retrieve the process
reports.
changes, including an information package. Agents can
download this from www.rdw.nl. In 2007, the RDW started to
amend the monitoring and sanctions policy. The accompanying
correspondence was partly improved. Further changes will follow
in 2008, including the sanction letters. At the moment, the
RDW still employs two types of monitoring visits: one for
administrative processes and one for checking calibration
certificates. The RDW is working towards electronic monitoring
of calibration certificates in 2008. This means that the regular
inspection visits will be scrapped. The administrative inspectors
will then carry out the administrative audits for all
authorisations.
SMART registration certificate
The RDW has plans to replace the paper registration documents
with a new registration certificate in smartcard format in the
future.
A study was started in 2007 into the feasibility of such a
registration document. Because of the implementation of such a
card, many processes will have to be fundamentally changed. A
prototype card was developed in 2007 that meets the
specifications contained in the European directive for vehicle
registration documents.
The prototype and the possibilities of the new registration
document were presented in May 2007 during the annual
conference of the Association of European Vehicle and Licensing
Authorities (EReg) in Amsterdam. It was agreed during this
conference that these should be further elaborated in a European
context.
As a result of the effort required in respect of the 'paying
differently for mobility' project in 2007, further investigations
into the new registration document were put on the back burner.
The RDW plans to take up further development again in 2008,
both at home and abroad.
Monitoring and authorisation
Taking over forensic institute work
In the past, the vehicle industry indicated that monitoring of
authorised agents could be improved. Complaints concerned
simultaneous visits by several RDW inspectors to a single
company and inspectors not working in a uniform approach.
The RDW conducted an investigation involving more than
1,000 garages. A number of companies identified room for
improvement for the RDW. The RDW launched the STER
(streamlining monitoring and authorisation) project to respond
to the wishes of these companies.
In the future, agents will have a single agent number for all
authorisations issued, instead of a different number for each
authorisation issued by the RDW. This also simplified the
invoicing system. Moreover, agents can now use a single service
desk with a single number, giving them a central contact point
for all questions. Requests for and changes to accreditations have
also been updated. There is now one form for all requests and
A start was made in the first quarter of 2007 on transferring the
work of the Netherlands Forensic Institute (NFI) to the RDW.
The work being transferred concerns the identification of
vehicles. In 2007, almost 1,000 were identified for investigation.
In 270 cases, fraud concerning the identity of the vehicle was
reported. Because the RDW is now responsible for carrying out
these investigations, the process can be a lot more efficient.
This reduces the time required for the investigations and the
final reporting.
Longer and heavier vehicles
Tests have been conducted in recent years with longer and heavier
vehicle combinations. The RDW inspected the vehicles and issued
permits. The last test was completed in November 2006 and the
experiment phase started at the end of 2007. During this phase,
transport companies are given more opportunities to use these
vehicles. There is no limit to the number of participants in the
experiment phase. However, a number of rules and requirements were
introduced to ensure road safety. In addition, the RDW only allows
these vehicle combinations on designated roads. The criteria for
selecting the roads were drawn up in consultation with the CROW
knowledge platform for infrastructure, transport and public spaces.
Transportable Pressure Equipment
Directive (TPED)
At the beginning of 2006, the Ministry of Transport and Water
Management appointed the RDW as Notified Body with respect to
the Transportable Pressure Equipment Directive (TPED). A Notified
Body is an inspection or testing institute appointed by the government.
This means that, for the time being, the RDW is authorised until 1st
January 2009 to issue certificates for ADR class 2 tankers (gas tankers).
The RDW is making every effort to be accredited for TPED with
effect from 1st January 2009 in accordance with the EN-ISO/IEC
17020 (EN 45004) standard.
European category certification for
commercial vehicles and trailers
At the end of 2007, a new framework directive became effective
resulting in a single European category certification for commercial
vehicles, including buses and trailers. This directive has a major
impact on the business processes of manufacturers and importers of
these vehicles. In 2004, the RDW started domestic category
certifications for commercial vehicles and trailers in a European
format. To this end, the RDW introduced the so-called NL-ETG.
Manufacturers and importers can now prepare themselves better for
the moment that European harmonisation for this type of vehicle
also becomes a reality in 2009. The RDW has identified the steps
required between now and 2009 to ensure a smooth transition to
this European way of working.
The new European framework directive also has consequences for
the current method of vehicle registration. Instead of category
certification, the certificate of conformity (‘Certificaat van Overeenstemming’ - CVO) will form the basis for future inclusion in the
registration database. The category certification information will
then be used exclusively to verify the validity of the category
certification. The RDW is using its experience to advise Dutch and
European parties in order to ensure the smoothest possible
implementation in 2009.
Live animal transport
Vehicles intended for transporting live animals for longer
than eight hours must comply with European rules to avoid
unnecessary injury during transport. With effect from 1st
October 2007, the RDW is responsible for inspecting these
vehicles and issuing compliance certificates. In addition, the
RDW makes data on these vehicles available online. The
RDW took over the responsibility from the Food and
Consumer Product Safety Authority (VWA). This also applies
21
> The change only applies to cars first registered and admitted
with effect from 1st January 2005.
> The APK inspection frequency for petrol cars is 4-2-2-1.
> The APK inspection frequency for diesel and LPG cars, which
generally have higher mileage, remains 3-1-1.
> Vehicles aged over 30 years have to be inspected once every
two years.
> Vehicles pre-dating 1960 are exempt from inspections.
Inspection after damage
The implementation had major consequences for the RDW
systems and processes but was nevertheless achieved on time.
If a vehicle is badly damaged in an accident, the registration
certificate is withdrawn. The vehicle is then given an ‘awaiting
inspection’ status in the vehicle register. Procedures have been
agreed with the insurance sector with respect to reporting this
‘awaiting inspection’ status. The national vehicle crime
information centre (LIV) checks the quality of these reports on
a random basis.
During a test carried out at one of the inspection centres, the
RDW introduced another improvement to inspections carried
out after damage. Special equipment was used to check the
quality of the damage repairs. The intention is to continue with
this practice.
‘Redline’
The ‘Redline’ project was launched in 2007, which strives for a
20% efficiency improvement at RDW inspection centres and
improved quality of registration. This will not only benefit
clients, but also staff. For example, work instructions have been
simplified and the number of products and services have been
made more transparent. The new system will be introduced at all
inspection centres in 2008.
‘APK Webdirect’:
reporting directly to the RDW
Since 2001, APK inspection centres have been able to report
APK inspections online to the RDW, for which they can use the
services of a number of providers. However, the need arose for
an emergency provision so that, in the event of disruption at the
provider, the inspection report can still be sent.
The RDW therefore introduced ‘APK Webdirect’ in 2007,
a continuity service that enables inspection centres to report
APK inspected vehicles directly to the RDW without involving
a provider.
APK frequency changed
In recent years, consumer groups in particular lobbied for
the lowering of the frequency of APK inspections. They argued
that the quality of vehicles has improved to such an extent that
fewer APK inspections were required. Following a review by
the RDW, the APK inspection frequency was changed with
effect from 1st January 2008. At the proposal of the Minister,
after consultation with the RDW, the following was agreed:
Future modernisation of the APK
Cars have gone through huge technological developments in
recent years, especially in the field of safety and the environment.
The APK requirements and the inspection process, however,
have hardly been adjusted to accommodate new technologies
such as airbags and electronic systems like ABS and ESP. This
was also one of the main conclusions of the Autofore study
carried out by CITA (Comité International de l’Inspection
Technique Automobile) at the request of the European
Commission. The Minister of Transport asked the RDW to look
into how APK inspections can be modernised.
Two working groups were set up in 2007: one for safety and one
for the environment, involving various parties from the
motoring industry. The working groups take account of
international developments and processes.
The basic principle employed by the RDW is that APK
inspection charges must not be allowed to increase unless the
changes have a positive impact on road safety and the
environment.
For the physical inspection, the RDW is considering whether
the use of ‘On-Board Diagnostics’ (OBD) contribute to the
quality and efficiency of inspections.
All the findings will be brought together in the autumn of 2008
in a proposal to the Minister.
At European level, too, there is a lot of focus on modernising
roadworthiness inspections. In the light of the Autofore report,
the RDW is taking part in European initiatives to achieve this.
For example, the RDW chairs the European working group for
safety systems.
Dutch APK inspections in Belgium
A pilot project was launched by the RDW early in 2007
to allow Dutch vehicles to be inspected in Belgium in
accordance with the Dutch APK requirements. The Belgian
inspection authority, ‘Autoveiligheid NV’, performs the
periodic inspections on behalf of the RDW at three of its
inspection centres.
The transport sector in particular had asked for this because
their vehicles are not always in the Netherlands at the time
when their inspection is due. The pilot project is the first of its
kind in the world: it is the first time that a roadworthiness
inspection from one country is performed in another country.
Passenger cars, commercial vehicles, buses and trailers can
present at the three Belgian inspection centres for an APK
inspection. Although Autoveiligheid performs the actual
inspection, the RDW issues the APK inspection report. The
RDW also monitors the inspections on a random basis in
Belgium. Because of the success of the pilot project, it has
been extended at least until 1st May 2008.
Objective 3
national position
Obtaining an inter
nt
a say in the releva
in order to have
s
cision
international de
The RDW is involved in different areas internationally, including
international data exchange, the creation of international regulations,
issuing category certification, coordinating activities with other
member states, learning from each other’s strengths and weaknesses
and, finally, also in the field of assistance and advisory projects,
including in countries outside the EU.
International collaboration
As far as vehicle documents, driving licences and information
provision are concerned, there is increasing collaboration, especially
within Europe. Since the beginning of the 1990s, the Dutch
initiative, EUCARIS, has been used for the international exchange
of information about vehicles and driving licences. After years of
informal and ad hoc cooperation on all sorts of documentation and
information issues, the collaboration was given formal status in
2006 by the establishment of EReg (Association of European
Vehicle and Driver Registration Authorities). During the annual
conference held in Amsterdam in 2007, the RDW Deputy
Director, Hans van der Bruggen, was appointed chair for a period
of three years, with the option of another three-year term. In 2007,
EReg paid special attention to the further elaboration and
improvement of the association. A Constitution and Rules of
Procedure have also been drawn up and a long-term work
programme has been agreed. This includes activities that the
countries wish to tackle together, either in cooperation with the
European Commission or not. The establishment of a supporting
secretariat, a newsletter and a website also enjoyed some attention.
The final decisions in this respect will be made during the annual
meeting of the EReg in 2008.
Martin Bril
Underway
in his Volvo
ALONE TOGETHER
Nothing beats driving. Actually, there are people who
prefer travelling by train, but they have no clue. Driving is so enjoyable because then you are on your own.
Unless, of course, the whole family’s in the car and then
the pleasure immediately stops. Driving is something
you do alone by definition.
And then?
Right, there you go then. I’m one of those people who's
always prepared for anything, which means expect
delays everywhere. A significant part of driving is preparing not to move ahead. I've hardly reached the end
of the street and there’s a traffic light, after which I have
to go down a long narrow street to the ring road – passing at least ten traffic lights, as well as a bridge, which is
mostly open in peak traffic.
Meanwhile I’m listening to the radio. There is always
some mindless programme to amuse you while you're
sitting in the car. Otherwise I put on some music.
Like I said.
It’s a huge joy to be on my own. Not that I find it so
nice; in fact, not at all, but this is the thing - you're
actually never alone in the car. You are, in fact, together
with the car. I’m one of those people who talk to their
car.
I also listen very closely to what my car has to say.
My Volvo can let out very small sighs, groan lovingly
and purr like a kitten. It can also be angry, but that is
because I step on the accelerator. But that always only
lasts a moment, then it responds and suddenly we’re
driving at 100mph. That is the ideal speed for both my
car and me. We’re then very happy with each other,
together as one and inseparable...
MARTIN BRIL (1959) is a columnist, publisher
and author. He has been writing a daily
column for De Volkskrant.
Column byMARTIN
to containers and ships used for transporting live animals.
In this context, the RDW, at the request of the Ministry of
Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV), was
responsible for the legal basis, built the required ICT and
other systems, developed work instructions and trained staff.
During the project, the RDW worked closely with the
Ministry of Agriculture, the VWA and the sector
organisations.
In 2007, the RDW produced and published the fifth edition of The
Vehicle Chain in Europe report. This report presents an overview of
23
a large number of comparable activities and projects by the different
European vehicle authorities. Two new countries were added in
2007 and an analysis or cross-section of the different activities and
numbers was made for the first time. Different international
reactions are proof that the publication meets a wide range of needs.
Whether or not to continue this Dutch initiative under the banner
of the EReg is currently being considered. This also applies to the
activities concerning international data exchange that are currently
still accommodated under the banner of the EUCARIS treaty.
In November 2007, the RDW Supervisory Board and
Management Board made a study visit to Brussels for several
days. They were given an intensive introduction to the many
faces and facets of the European Union and the Commission.
They also gained a better understanding of the numerous close
relationships that exist and the effects that Brussels has on the
work of the RDW.
International data exchange
Hard work also continued in 2007 on further extending the
international data exchange model in Europe as advocated by the
RDW. The RDW wants international data exchange to take place
using the existing, properly-functioning system of EUCARIS via the
existing network between the national vehicle and driver registration
authorities. The RDW is supported in this by the different Dutch
Ministries involved and by the bulk of foreign sister organisations.
The registration authorities will then continue to act as contacts for
information regarding vehicles and driving licences for the different
Dutch parties, like the police and customs authorities, and thus also
for information requests from abroad. This will streamline requests for
information, leading to a more efficient exchange process and
optimum guarantee of protection and privacy.
The RDW supports the use and expansion of the existing
EUCARIS system (European Car and Driving Licence Information
System) for new applications. A new system should not be
developed for every new requirement of information, for every new
target group and for every new directive – it will simply cost
taxpayers too much unnecessary money. The role of the European
Commission can be restricted to general coordination and
monitoring of the extent to which the desired data exchange meets
objectives. This view was emphasised in Brussels. Several other
member states also supported this view.
EUCARIS
EUCARIS offers participating countries the option to consult each
other’s vehicle and driver registration databases. This takes place,
amongst other things, at the time of importing vehicles and when
transferring foreign driving licences. The participating countries are
Belgium, Germany, Estonia, the UK, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland,
Latvia, Lithuania, Luxemburg, the Netherlands, Romania and
Sweden. Slovakia joined at the end of 2007. Slovenia, Italy and
Norway are planning to join in 2008.
A new technical functionality was added to the EUCARIS system in
2007 to support the Treaty of Prüm (see below). A new module was
also developed, enabling the international exchange of personal data to
impose traffic fines on foreigners.
Switzerland and the Netherlands, between Belgium and the
Netherlands and between Germany and France. Similar treaties in the
Benelux countries and between Belgium and France will be facilitated
by the same technology.
the directive for the transport of pressurised hazardous substances.
In the context of the partnership agreement between RAR and the
RDW, study visits were paid to the RDW in the context of HR,
ICT and vehicle technology.
As in previous years, the availability of EUCARIS is around 99%.
Following years of spectacular increases, the number of hits stabilised in
2007. The number of refusals (for example because the vehicle on offer
had been stolen or turned out to have been scrapped) increased by
more than 30%. Now that the technical updates have been completed
and the new applications are operational, the increase in new member
states and the use of the system are expected to increase significantly in
2008.
Under pressure from EUCARIS countries, the European Commission
ordered an evaluation in 2007 by research firm Gartner. The review
concerned the suitability of the technology used by EUCARIS for
sharing driving licence information as required with effect from 2011
pursuant to the Third Driving Licence Directive. The initial results
show that Gartner assesses the EUCARIS system as highly suitable.
They recommend implementing the existing EUCARIS driving
licence functionality across Europe and adding more advanced search
options in the long term. For the time being, the European
Commission still supports the development of an own data exchange
system, but the positive evaluation results support the view to employ
the existing EUCARIS system technology for exchanging driving
licence data as well.
Bulgaria
Hits
Refusals
EUCARIS
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
6,521,653
6,518,315
5,140,218
4,799,187
1,355,272
21,607
16,495
15,193
14,553
11,594
Treaty of Prüm
Under the EU chairmanship of Germany, it was decided in 2007
that the Treaty of Prüm would be incorporated into EU regulations.
The original, multilateral Treaty concerned access by investigating
authorities in affiliated countries to different databases, including
vehicle registers. Earlier, the Treaty countries had already decided to
use EUCARIS technology for exchanging vehicle data. As a result, all
27 EU member states and the four EFTA countries will eventually
use EUCARIS technology in the near future. To achieve this, a
so-called Prüm functionality was added to the existing EUCARIS
system in 2007. Under the implementation of the Treaty of Prüm,
the different registration authorities were designated as the national
points of contact for vehicle information.
For a number of years, the European Commission has been working
on a directive for collecting traffic fines imposed on foreign drivers
within the European Union. This draft directive was published at the
beginning of 2008. Regrettably, this proposal does not create a legal
basis for dealing with parking and toll road offences by foreigners. The
Netherlands and a large number of other member states have already
pointed out in the past that, to implement this directive, international
data exchange should take place using the existing technology available
in EUCARIS, with the national registration authorities serving as the
point of contact. In the notes to the proposed directive, the European
Commission again takes a different view.
International network extended
In 2007, the RDW played host to 11 foreign delegations,
which is almost twice as many as in 2006. The visitors came
primarily from the youngest European Union member states:
Romania and Bulgaria. Usually, the visits were prompted by a
specific project. By participating in advisory and assistance projects,
the RDW has further extended its international network
and strengthened it.
In 2007, Germany implemented the Prüm application of
EUCARIS, followed by Spain, France, Luxemburg and the
Netherlands at the start of 2008. The remaining countries are due to
follow later in 2008 and in 2009.
Internally, the international network was also extended. Various
members of staff know a second or third language. Following a
call-up, 37 people responded and, between them, speak 21
different foreign languages. When the opportunity presents itself,
these language skills are called upon for translating or interpreting
services.
Other data exchanges
Romania
The exchange model and EUCARIS technology were also adapted for
collecting traffic and parking fines and toll road breaches. This
EUCARIS application will also be used in the implementation of a
number of existing bilateral treaties (for exchanging traffic offences by
foreign drivers) between Germany and the Netherlands, between
At the request of the EVD, an agency within the Ministry of
Economic Affairs, the RDW assisted Romania with the
implementation of the European directive to reduce emissions
from internal combustion engines. In addition, a project was
completed that supported Romania with the implementation of
The RDW and representatives of various Bulgarian
organisations were in contact on the subject of various different
matters: from improvement of vehicle registration to EUCARIS,
and from tachographs to the disassembly of vehicles. It is expected
that these activities will result in specific projects in 2008.
Bonaire, Saba and St. Eustatius
These islands will attain a position in the future within the
Dutch government framework that strongly resembles that of
municipal councils. The Dutch Road Traffic Act can also become
effective there. Of course not all Dutch legislation will apply,
due to the size of the population, their situation in the
Caribbean and their insular character. A review was carried out
in 2007 in cooperation with the Ministry of Transport and
Water Management to identify which RDW topics should be
given priority.
Curaçao
At the end of March 2007, the RDW took part in the initial
meeting of a project to improve the vehicle chain on Curaçao.
The RDW and Curaçao signed a service agreement. A detailed
plan is expected in 2008.
Turkey
In the context of the Twinning project, a Turkish delegation
visited the Vehicle Technology (including the test centre in
Lelystad) and Registration & Information divisions.
Other countries
The RDW was part of a delegation visiting Moscow with Prime
Minister Balkenende to further extend cooperation and increase
opportunities for the Dutch corporate sector, including the
transport sector.
Further improvement
of the national vehicle crime
information centre
A client satisfaction survey was conducted in 2007 for the national
vehicle crime information centre (LIV). The survey revealed that
clients were satisfied and the operational services were of high quality.
The main recommendation was that the LIV should develop further
at strategic and policy levels. The RDW is implementing this by
preparing an inventory of the environment and by increasing the
number of strategic analysts and introducing a client relations
management team. In addition, a range of processes were reviewed,
adapted and made more manageable, and the research software will
be expanded.
25
International consultation
Dutch legislation is based on European regulations and rules. These
are increasingly related to agreements reached in the Economic
Commission for Europe of the United Nations in Geneva (UN
ECE). The UN ECE ‘Regulations’ (under the ‘1958 Agreement’)
ensures far-reaching European harmonisation of requirements, and
the UN ECE ‘Global technical regulations’ (under the ‘1998
Agreement’) now contribute to global harmonisation of technical
vehicle requirements.
Within the European Union, but also worldwide, the different
countries' governments are agreeing upon vehicle specifications
that have an influence on the environment, road safety and
public health. The RDW takes part in these consultations on
behalf of the Dutch government. The RDW is involved in
various consultation processes in which international regulations
are being prepared. In 2007, the RDW was closely involved in
the following development:
European Union
The new framework directive (2007/46/EC) was published in 2007
concerning the approval of motor vehicles other than passenger cars,
which offers a lot of benefits to the industry. With effect from 29th
April 2009, only one category certification is valid for the entire
European Union instead of the different national category
certifications. It is a challenge for the RDW to take responsibility, as
one of the European certification authorities, for a considerable part
of the category certifications. For the time being, national or
domestic approval will only be possible for vehicles produced in
limited series and for individual vehicles. The new framework
directive introduces stricter standards for technical service providers,
such as the RDW, which will be carrying out inspections.
Finally, the new directive means new tasks and responsibilities for
the RDW, such as the approval of after-market products and
involvement in recall campaigns.
A new directive (715/2007/EC) was published in 2007 concerning
emissions from passenger cars and light goods vehicles. These
stricter rules will be introduced in two phases: Euro 5 with effect
from September 2009 and Euro 6 with effect from September
2014. It concerns stricter emission limits being set for diesel
vehicles, which are required to be fitted with a carbon filter with
effect from 2009 (Euro 5). With effect from 2014 (Euro 6), they
must also be fitted with a NOx catalyst following the introduction
of stricter NOx limits.
The directive also means that the RDW has been assigned new
tasks, such as monitoring compliance with free access to
information about vehicle repairs and maintenance.
The Commission published a new proposal at the end of 2007
containing new limits for emissions from heavy goods vehicles.
This Euro VI* takes effect in April 2013. Together, the RDW and
the Ministry of VROM exercised influence on the draft proposal of
the European Commission.
A draft Global Technical Regulations document was published
on the subject of head restraints. Differences of opinion between
a number of European countries on the one hand and the
United States on the other were resolved by the European
Commission by largely accepting the proposals of the United
States. Regrettably, among other things, the head restraint
heights contained in these proposals are too low. The RDW tried
its best to eliminate this negative effect of global harmonisation
and is not all happy with the achieved result.
Hydrogen is increasingly seen as a possible future source of
energy for vehicles. Partly due to dissatisfaction with the slow
process to prepare safety regulations for its use, a start has been
made with preparing EU legislation under the auspices of the
UN-ECE.
United Nations – ECE (1958 and 1998 Agreements)
In 2007, the RDW was involved in preparing new rules
requiring daytime running lights to be fitted for category
certification of new vehicles. This will make a significant positive
contribution to Dutch and international road safety, particularly
with respect to reducing accidents during the daytime.
Regulations allowing category certification of headlights with
LED modules have come into effect. Technological
developments in the field of LED lights, which produce white
light beams, have made rapid progress in recent years. LED
lights now produce enough light to be applied to headlights as
well. This new technology for both the source of light and the
design of the headlight relied upon very specific requirements.
Far-reaching changes to braking legislation led to additional
requirements for the stability of heavy vehicles and trailers. The
RDW contributed Dutch know-how, using simulations instead
of vehicle tests, for determining the skid resistance of road
surfaces. With the compulsory introduction of systems that limit
the risk of heavy goods vehicles overturning, a significant
contribution can be made to road safety, reducing traffic jams
and reducing inconvenience caused by overturned lorries.
UN-ECE Agreement concerning the international
carriage of dangerous goods by road (ADR)
Preparations were completed in 2007 for amending the ADR,
the regulations for transporting dangerous goods by road. The
RDW raised a number of issues which had led to international
differences in interpretation and resolved them.
UN-ECE Agreement on the international carriage
of perishable foodstuffs and on the special equipment
to be used for such carriage (ATP)
With respect to transporting perishable
foodstuffs, a range of activities have taken place in recent years
to update the treaty texts. A number of adjustments were
proposed and have been accepted.
Objective 4
Ongoing investment
in staff and organis
ati
on
entrepreneurship. Participants receive individual supervision and
on-the-job coaching during the entire course. The tenders were
awarded in 2007 and the course given concrete form. The first
groups of participants started in 2008.
Collective labour agreement
negotiations
At the beginning of 2007, the RDW agreed a strategic HR plan.
Important issues covered by this plan include: deployability,
internal and external collaboration in Dutch and international
developments, thinking and acting with clients in mind and
responding to the changing labour market and social trends.
In 2007, the RDW launched a number of projects. For example,
a study into a new functional job structure, development of a
recruitment and selection policy for jobs in short supply and
setting up a job appraisal interview cycle. A system for staff
planning was also investigated. The topics will be further
elaborated in 2008.
A new collective labour agreement (CAO) was agreed with the trade
unions in 2007. This includes agreements regarding salary increases,
increasing year-end benefits, increasing sickness benefits and a
change in the partial labour market participation by older people
(PAS) scheme. It has also been agreed that measures should be
developed enabling customised policies with respect to the
deployability of staff. A working group consisting of representatives
from the relevant trade unions and the RDW is looking into
whether the current legal position scheme (‘Rechtspositiereglement’)
can be updated and simplified, for example in the field of exceptional leave and related schemes. Furthermore, additional agreements were reached on work and health issues and on the WIA. The
new CAO is valid from 1st January 2007 to 1st June 2010.
Integrity
Results-orientated job descriptions
The follow-up survey on how RDW staff experience integrity
was completed in mid-2007. Compared with the baseline
measurement in 2002, the trend is a positive one. Staff see a
clear improvement in the clarity of standards and in changing
behaviour. A very positive development is that staff experience a
low incidence of breaches. At the same time, despite the positive
developments, a number of points for attention were identified.
These relate to being open to criticism (being challenged),
insight into behaviour and discussing and dealing with unethical
conduct.
The results and recommendations were responded to in the form
of a renewed focus on the code of conduct, the role of the
integrity reporting desk and the importance of behaving
properly. The number of counsellors will be increased. ‘Integrity’
has also been included as part of the leadership module of the
TOOLS management training course.
A study was carried out in 2007 on new possibilities for writing
job descriptions, with a bigger focus on results rather than the
current focus on tasks. For staff, this could mean better
deployability and, for the organisation, it will create the space to
keep abreast with developments. Employing more general job
profiles and thus reducing the number of job descriptions, is also
being considered. This will lead to a new plan of action in 2008.
Strategic HR policy
TOOLS
The environment in which the RDW operates is constantly
changing and the RDW is increasingly assuming the role of
supervisory body both in the Netherlands and internationally.
This makes new demands on the organisation and its staff. The
RDW is aiming to advance the organisation to a higher level in
the coming years, working towards an organisation that can
deliver top performance. Middle management is a crucial part of
this. The TOOLS management training course makes a
contribution to the ongoing development of the skills of middle
managers, making sure that they are properly equipped for this
role.
The course has five modules: operational management,
leadership, vision and strategy, change and renewal and public
Health and safety
Anti-aggression policy
The anti-aggression policy was implemented in full in 2007. The
main component of this is training to deal with conflict situations and
to prevent aggression (‘Conflicthantering en agressiepreventie’) offered
to staff dealing with clients. In 2007, approximately 90% (more than
450 members of staff) attended the training course. The remaining
10% will attend in 2008. Everyone is also offered follow-up training.
Managers and staff know how to deal with a potentially serious
incident. They also know where to get the right support. Aggressive
incidents can be reported in writing and electronically. This will
provide insight in the long term into the nature and scale of incidents
and the policy’s effectiveness.
New health and safety service provider
Following a public tender, a contract was signed in 2007 with a
new health and safety service provider. Maetis has been
supporting the RDW since 1st January 2008 with the change to
integrated health management. The focus is emphatically
shifting towards preventing absenteeism, also by maintaining a
good relationship with staff. The RDW bases this on a ‘personal
responsibility model’, with the manager taking personal
27
* The Euro 5 and 6 emission standards apply to light passenger and commercial vehicles and the Euro VI-standard applies to heavy/large goods vehicles.
HUMAN RESOURCES
responsibility for the management of preventive absenteeism
supervision.
quality level of each member of staff’s work. This is used, among other
things, to identify training needs.
Staff satisfaction survey
ZBO Framework Act
The RDW conducts a staff satisfaction survey amongst all its staff
every three to four years. This was the case in 2007, under the
name ‘Respons 3!’ The aim of the survey was to get a view of
the wishes, expectations and experiences of everyone working at the
RDW, but also of the effects of improvements implemented
following previous surveys. The survey was conducted by TNS/
NIPO using the ‘internet mirror’ (Internet-Spiegel), an initiative of
the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations. More than
73% of the staff took part in the survey (in 2003: 65%). Overall
staff satisfaction scored 74, which is the same as in ‘Respons 2!’
Compared to similar organisations, the RDW has a positive
difference of 8%. Compared to an external Government
benchmark, overall satisfaction shows no less than a 16% positive
difference. This means that, generally speaking, staff at the RDW
are more satisfied than staff at other similar organisations.
Based on the results of the survey, the RDW divisions and
departments will draft improvement measures in the first quarter of
2008, which will be implemented during the course of 2008 and
the years to come.
At the beginning of 2007, the ZBO Framework Act (‘Kaderwet
ZBO’) took effect. The aim of this act was to ensure the
unambiguous supervision of self-governing bodies and
accountability.
The Framework Act applies to the RDW, with the exception of
the staff section. In other words, the RDW retains authority for
its CAO. The authority of the Minister of Transport and Water
Management concerning supervision of the RDW will be
extended. In the future, for example, the Minister will approve
the financial statements of the RDW and appoint the
Management Board of the RDW. The Supervisory Board will
continue to exist. In its supervisory capacity, the Ministry will
continue to rely as much as possible on the internal supervisory
body to ensure that as little as possible will change in the already
properly-functioning practices. In 2008, the consequences of the
Framework Act for the RDW will be further elaborated and
amendments to the foundation legislation of the RDW will be
initiated.
Objectivee
5
municativ
Being com
onsive,
arent, resp
and transp
ipative
and partic
qualitative
Client contact centre
In recent years, the RDW client contact centre (KCC) has
implemented steps to further improve quality. During this process, the
RDW has evolved more and more from a process-orientated
organisation to a client-orientated organisation. This evolution resulted
in the manager of the KCC being chosen as Call Centre Manager of
the Year in 2007. The KCC served as an example for numerous call
centres and other organisations in 2007.
Proper planning is crucial for dealing with client contact. A traffic
manager was therefore appointed in 2007, who ensures ongoing
service to clients and optimum planning.
The idea of ‘right first time’ is the basic philosophy. Clients must
receive an answer in one telephone call, email, letter or visit to the
website. Recent client satisfaction surveys show that people are happier
if their questions are answered directly.
Quality assurance support was started in 2007 with the
implementation of Quality Monitoring. This system reports the
Moderate charges policy
and cost saving
It has been agreed with the Ministry of Transport and Water
Management that the charges will be increased or decreased by a
maximum of 5% per year, excluding inflation.
The RDW has demonstrated over the past five years that it is
possible to work more efficiently. In recent years, the focus has
shifted from working more cheaply to working more intelligently.
Efficiency is increasingly realised through the improvement of
business processes instead of simply keeping the costs down.
In 2007, a three-year cycle with a 2% cost reduction every year
came to an end; in 2008, a new cycle of three years and 2%
efficiency improvement per year was launched. This provides an
ongoing stimulus to think about process improvements.
The RDW charges dropped by an average 2.5% in 2007; an
average reduction in charges of 2.2% was agreed for 2008.
Cost-covering clusters
When given its self-governing status, the RDW agreed with the
Ministry of Transport and Water Management that the products and
services of the RDW should cover the costs.
To achieve this, the products and services of the RDW were combined
into ten clusters. ‘Cost covering’ means that the clusters are not allowed
to book operating shortfalls or surpluses. In other words, all of the
clusters must be financially ‘healthy’.
We have invested a lot of energy in this in recent years.
The 2007 budget assumed that all of the clusters would cover their
operating costs. Due to slightly higher turnover at almost all of the
clusters and limited cost increases, all of the clusters now cover 100% or
more of their operating costs.
STAFF
Staffing
The average number of staff in 2007 was 1,384
FTEs. The breakdown is as follows:
AVERAGE staffing
number of people
2007
number of
people
2007
FTEs
2006
number of
people
2006
FTEs
and FTEs
Vehicle Technology division
Registration & Information division
ICT
Other
Total RDW
Age breakdown
The average age of RDW staff increases slightly
every year. At the end of 2007, the average age was
45.3 years. In 2006, it was 44.9 years and, in 2005,
44.2 years. The staff of the vehicle regulation
development department (OVR) have the highest
average age (53 years) and the longest average
period of service (19 years). The legal and
administrative affairs department (JBZ) is the
‘youngest’ department an average age of
41.7 years.
758.2
335.9
216.7
202.4
691.3
299.2
210.7
183.0
752.8
327.0
216.1
207.1
687.9
290.7
209.2
188.1
1,513.2
1,384.2
1,503.0
1,375.9
Absenteeism
Absenteeism in 2007 was 4.5%, an encouraging
drop compared to 2006. The reporting frequency
(the number of sick reports per year divided by
the number of staff) decreased slightly to 1.7
(2006: 1.8). Average duration of absenteeism
dropped from 11.2 days in 2006 to 10.5 days in
2007 (2005: 11.5 days). From 2006, the RDW
applied a new method based on calendar days
instead of working days.
2006
2005
4.5%
4.7%
5.2%
YEAR
Absenteeism rate
Training costs
In 2007, an average of EUR 1,290 was invested per member of staff for training
and education (excluding training on the job, reorientation and aggression
management training and the TOOLS management training course).
That is equal to 2.6% of the payroll total and 0.3% higher than in 2006.
Staff turnover
In 2007, 88 new members of staff joined the
RDW (2006: 45), while 64 members of staff
(2006: 57) left. At 32.3%, the number of female
staff remained virtually unchanged compared to
2006.
2007
Training costs
(in EUR)
2007
1,933,000
Total training costs
1,498
Number of staff
1,290
Average per member of staff
2.6%
Training costs
in % of payroll total
employed
2006
2005
1,618,000
1,559,000
1,474
1,486
1,097
1,049
2.3%
2.2%
In 2007, the RDW
more
than 1,500
29
Film CARS
Bullitt
Cars
Starsky & Hutch
Starsky & Hutch - a remarkable duo. In the 1970s series and
the 2004 film, these two independent-minded detectives drove
around in a 1974 Ford Torino. The red Ford was known as ‘the
striped tomato’. Interestingly, Starsky (Paul Michael Glaser)
did not think much of the Torino - “Much too conspicuous”,
according to the actor. Sometimes, during filming, he
deliberately scraped it along kerbs and he didn’t hesitate in
tackling the odd dustbin. Glaser makes this confession in a
letter to the current owner of the first Torino used in the series.
Number 1 is parked in his garage in Ohio in its original state.
If there's one film in which cars play the main role,
it's Cars. This 2006 animated film centres around Lightning
McQueen, an arrogant, successful racing car.
He is focused on winning and only thinks about himself. When
McQueen turns up in the sleepy backwater of Radiator Springs,
he meets other cars, including Sally (Porsche Carrera),
Doc Hudson (1951 Hudson Hornet) and the old tow vehicle,
Mater. They teach the self-opinionated McQueen
that there is more to life than fame and a place
on the winner’s podium.
Stars
on wheels
FAB 1
“Yes, milady.” The typical
response of Aloysius Parker,
Lady Penelope's subservient
chauffeur in the Thunderbirds.
In this 1960s series,
the London secret agent is
driven about in a long, bright
pink Rolls-Royce,
the FAB 1. In Thunderbirds
The Movie from 2004, the Rolls
made way for a Ford, which you
can see here. The American car
has six wheels and is about
6.5 metres long!
Some vehicles are an inseparable part of a TV series or a box office hit
on the silver screen, cars and motorcycles that we remember decades
down the road. We've listed these driving celebrities to jolt your memory.
TEXS LUCAS BOOT PHOTOGRAPHY HOLLANDSE HOOGTE
According to some film buffs, the car chase scene from
the film Bullitt (1968) is one of the most memorable ever.
In his dark green Ford Mustang GT 390 Fastback, actor
Steve McQueen chases after two assassins in a Dodge Charger
through the centre of San Francisco.
As a tribute to the Mustang, Ford produced a limited edition
GT Bullitt Mustang in 2001. As of 2008, the real Bullitt
from 1968 has a successor, finished in the characteristic
green from the film. The rims of this modern vintage
also refer back to the original Mustang.
Kitt
When you think of Knight Rider, you picture
Michael Knight (David Hasselhoff) and, of
course, KITT, Hasselhoff’s indestructible,
talking ‘company car’, brimming with the
most bizarre gadgets and weapons to support
its partner in their dangerous missions. KITT
stands for Knight Industries Two Thousand
and, without all its make-up, is a normal 1982
Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. KITT and Knight
are inseparable in the series, even though
the ‘modern-day knight’ sometimes gets
mad at the well-meant advice given by his
wheeled partner in crime. In turn, KITT cannot
stand Knight’s taste in music. The series is
a hilarious partnership between man and
machine.
Bluesmobile
In the hilarious film The Blues Brothers,
Jake and Elwood Blues enjoyed
one adventure after another in their
‘Bluesmobile’: a 1974 Dodge Monaco.
Their old car actually came from the
Californian traffic department. However,
the film was set on the other side of the
country, in Chicago, where the police
drove around in Cadillacs. Opinions
about the Monaco in the police fraternity
on the Westside were divided. For
example, an officer from Chicago
referred to the car as “that shitbox
Dodge”. Thirteen patrol cars were used
in the 1980 box office hit.
Herbie
The film The Love Bug was first shown in cinemas in 1969.
The protagonist is Herbie, a sympathetic Volkswagen Beetle
that can drive on its own and has its own mind. In the film,
the racing driver, Jim Douglas (Dean Jones), is looking for
a new racing car and comes across Herbie. The car likes
Douglas so much that he decides to follow him. The racing
driver buys the Beetle and achieves success after success.
Actually, it’s the ‘number 53’ – Herbie’s racing number –
that achieves the victories. Disney also considered other
makes of cars for the film, including a Volvo and a Toyota,
but the production team finally succumbed to the charm
of the Volkswagen Beetle.
31
Film CARS
The
Italian
Job
Three Mini Cooper Ss play a major
role in the 2003 film The Italian Job.
The little cars were used in a
spectacular robbery. In the remake of
the original film from 1969, the Minis
race through an underground station
in Los Angeles. For this scene, the
Coopers had to be specially fitted with
electric motors as internal combustion
engines are actually banned from
underground stations.
Back to the Future
Time travel is the magic word in the Back to the Future trilogy.
In the three films, pupil Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox)
travels through time in a Delorean DMC-12, an American car
from the early 1980s, which the filmmakers chose because of its
futuristic appearance. The name DMC-12 comes from ‘Delorean Motor Club’.
The figure 12 stands for USD 12,000, the price paid for the car when it came
onto the market in 1981. The make stopped being produced in 1982.
At the end of 2007, the Delorean from Back to the Future still appeared
live on Dutch TV. The Idols presenters Wendy van Dijk and
Martijn Krabbé drove onto the stage in the original car from the film.
A-Team Van
“If you have a problem, if no one else can help and if you can find them, maybe
you can hire... The A-Team”. Hard-hitting words, unmistakably associated with
the legendary TV series, The A-Team. Equally as famous as the main actors
Hannibal, B.A., Face and Murdoch is their black van, the 1983 GMC Van.
Five official GMCs were used in the popular action series. For major stunts,
the foursome used replicas, often other makes such as Fords and Chevrolets.
Only two original ‘Vans’ are still in existence. One of them is owned by
producer Stephen J. Cannell and the other model can be seen in the Cars
of the Stars Museum in Keswick in the UK.
Batmobile (1966)
Super heroes drive super cars. This certainly applies
to Batman and Robin. In the TV series from the 1960s,
the duo pursues the baddies of Gotham City in the legendary
Batmobile. It is perhaps the most futuristic car from the 1960s.
The American George Barris was the father of the Batmobile.
He converted a Lincoln Futura concept car into what you see
here in the picture in only three weeks. The producers of
Batman wanted to use it in the series as soon as possible. Barris
bought the Futura for one dollar and invested USD 30,000 for
the complete conversion.
Eleanor
Mustang
In the remake of the box office hit Gone in
Sixty Seconds, actor Nicolas Cage is faced
with a Herculean task. Together with
a group of friends, he has to steal 50 exotic
cars in one night to save his brother’s life.
Last on the list was a 1967 Shelby GT 500
called Eleanor. Only 2,048 GT 500s were
ever made. The name Eleanor comes from
the original Gone in Sixty Seconds made in
1973, also starring Eleanor. Then,
it wasn't a customised GT 500 but a
converted Mustang Mach 1. The film ends
with a long car chase, with the Mach 1
making a leap of several dozen metres.
Legend has it that 93 cars were written off
in the making of the original film.
CHiPs
Christine
The film Christine was released in 1983 and was
based on the novel of the same name by the
American author, Stephen King. The story is about
a student, Arnie Cunningham (Keith Gordon),
who comes across the car of his dreams: a 1958
Plymouth Fury. He becomes very attached to
his bright red car. Soon, an exceptional bond
develops between Arnie and Christine. However,
the car turns out to be bewitched and has an
unstoppable evil mind. Christine drives into
everyone looming up in front of her impressive
nose. In the end, Arnie has to pay with his life.
Friends of the main character destroy the Fury.
Twelve Plymouths were used during filming. Four
are still around in 2008. One of them was sold at
auction to a Brit in 2004 for USD 167,400.
film ends with a long car chase
‘ The
in which the Mach 1 makes a leap of several dozen metres.
Legend has it that 93 cars were written off during filming
’
Easy Rider and Harley Davidson. Fled and Ducati.
And we have another one to add: CHiPs and
Kawasaki. Do you remember this police series? In
the series from the 1970s and 1980s, Erik Estrada
played the macho motorcycle cop, Frank
Poncherello, aka ‘Ponch’. Actor Larry Wilcox
was the meek little Mouse, Jon Baker.
The duo worked for the California Highway
Patrol (CHP). You can probably guess where
the name CHiPs comes from.
General Lee
Robert E. Lee was a lauded general from
the American Civil War. More than a hundred years
later, the famous Dukes of Hazzard car was named
after him: the General Lee. In their bright orange
1969 Dodge Charger RT, brothers
Bo and Luke experienced countless breathless
car chases. Almost every episode included
a spectacular stunt. The last show of the ‘Dukes’
series appeared in 1985. In the six years that the
series ran, some 300 cars were used. The very first
one, ‘Lee 1’, was found in 2001 on a rubbish dump
in the US. Once it was restored to its former glory,
someone made a bid of almost USD 10 million
for the Charger. This appeared to be a rumour
and eventually the Dodge was sold at auction for
USD 450,000 at the beginning of this year.
Bond
Secret agent James Bond has driven countless exclusive automobiles
since the first film (Dr No, 1962) - from Aston Martins to BMWs, each one
a collection of gadgets on wheels invented by ‘Q’. One of the most
exceptional Bond cars in the career of 007 is the arctic white Lotus Esprit
S1 from The Spy Who Loved Me. This British sports car actually had
amphibious features. After a hot pursuit by a helicopter, Bond drove
the S1 straight into the water. The Lotus subsequently transformed into
a submarine. Yes, well, in the 1970s people did fantasise a lot.
33
import inspections
The number of
imported
CARS increases
every year
The reasons for bringing a car from abroad to the
Netherlands vary considerably. For car fanatics,
it’s all about realising a long-standing dream; for
cost-aware buyers, it’s mainly about the saving; and
car dealers are looking for bargains. Be that as it
may, car imports are on the increase every year and
this trend looks set to continue.
TEXT Marc Klaver PHOTOGRAPHY Herman van Heusden
In 2007, a total of 96,608 vehicles were imported into the
Netherlands from abroad. Most of them came from Germany.
This should not come as a surprise; the car market there is
enormous and, thanks to the good motorways, access to
Germany is excellent. But the US too is featuring more and
more as an import country. This has a lot to do with the current
favourable rate of the dollar against the euro. Even including
the costs of shipment and tax, cars from the US are often
cheaper. However, importing cars from the US is a long-winded
process, so many private people don’t even consider it. In
addition, Belgium, France, Switzerland and Italy are countries
from which a lot of second-hand cars originate. But Sweden,
too, is the source of many classic cars coming into the
Netherlands. No salt is used on the roads in the cold winters,
which means that many old Scandinavian cars are still in
surprisingly good condition. In 2007, the RDW inspected or
identified 24% more imports from other EU countries than in
2006.
Number plate investigations
The RDW has a key role in these imports. Imports obtain their
Dutch identity at the inspection centres. But before that can
happen, the necessary paperwork has to be completed and the
vehicle in question is subject to an investigation. A distinction
is made between a number plate inspection or a number plate
inspection including an APK. If the vehicle is more than three
years old, an APK inspection is compulsory, although the
vehicle owner can choose not to have it done by the RDW. In
that case, only the papers are checked, as is the chassis
number. In addition, the wheel base measurements are
confirmed. No matter how dilapidated the vehicle in question
may be, if everything else is in order, a registration number will
be issued. It is then up to the owner to suspend the vehicle
registration or to present it to a local APK inspection site for an
APK inspection. The advantage of this is that deficiencies can
immediately be addressed without a second visit to the garage.
And the vehicle in question may also be selected for a random
test, which means an RDW inspector will also have a look at it.
Old-fashioned detective work
A full inspection obviously takes up more time than merely a
registration. When checking the papers, it is immediately confirmed that the vehicle is not registered as stolen. The inspector looks up the exact information in the computer, which will
eventually also appear on the Dutch registration certificate. Often it still involves a lot of research to find the exact vehicle
category and, in the case of really old cars, the books sometimes have to be dusted down. Old-fashioned detective work,
but the real identity is always revealed. If that requires more
time than usual, it is possible that other clients may have to
wait longer. The APK inspection involves a complete technical
inspection. Wheel suspension, brakes, steering, chassis and
body, electrical equipment – nothing escapes the attention of
the inspector. Even emissions are measured and have to meet
European regulations. All in all, it takes about an hour. This is
followed by a number of administrative processes carried out
by staff at the reception desk, after which the owner can take
possession of the vehicle again. Within a week, the complete
registration certificate is in the post and the Netherlands is yet
another car richer. This is daily routine at the 16 RDW inspection centres, where 196,022 number plate inspections, 4,469
design inspections and 24,786 roadworthiness inspections
took place in 2007.
For cars over three years old,
number plate investigations and
APK inspections are mandatory
35
import inspections
Combating fraud
The purpose of identity checks is to create a proper Dutch vehicle registration database and detect
and combat vehicle crime. “For whoever wants to
import a vehicle from abroad, this vehicle identification is vitally important. The vehicle may well be
stolen or have been given a new identity”, says Johan Hakkenberg, General Manager of the RDW.
“Without these compulsory checks, the opportunities for people involved in vehicle crime will increase strongly.”
Technical inspection
On the issue of technical inspections (APK inspections) of imports from an EU country, the Court
ruled in favour of the European Commission. But
this has no consequences for the RDW, because
these inspections of imports were already
scrapped on 1st January 2006. However, cars
more than three years old are required to have a
valid APK certificate in the Netherlands. Vehicle
owners now have the choice when importing a vehicle of whether to have the APK inspection done
by the RDW or by a licensed inspection centre.
“Exactly
what I was
looking for!”
Martin van Steenwijk imported a 1989 BMW 525i automatic from Germany. Why this
car? Martin: “It had already been decided that it would have to be a BMW 5 Series from
that year. I had already imported a car from Germany in the past, so I knew how everything worked. I found this BMW on the Internet. It was for sale in Essen, which is easy
to get to. What is so unique about this car is that it comes from its first owner, an old
lady who had bought the car new at the time. And the mileage: only 68,000km on the
clock! You simply can't find that in the Netherlands. Cars like this are used for business
travel and therefore are on the road a lot. The service log and the state of the car reflected this low mileage. And besides that, the car has just about every optional extra
in the book, except for leather upholstery. I managed to knock down the price a bit, and
picked up the car a week later on a trailer. With a one-day registration number issued
by the RDW, I drove to the inspection centre for a number plate inspection, without a
roadworthiness inspection, which was completed afterwards by the dealer together
with a service. Everything was sorted out like that and now I can enjoy this beautiful
six-cylinder engine every day. And the low tax addition is also very attractive to me as
an entrepreneur!”
“Eight years
old and only
29,000
on the
clock”.
An eight-year old Mercedes-Benz ML with no more than 29,000km on the clock?
There’s bound to be something fishy about that. Nothing could be further from the truth,
as shown by Serge Zieck’s story: “To replace my then C Class Combi, I rather fancied
an ML. These cars are rather pricey in the Netherlands and then usually with at least a
hundred thousand on the clock, which is nothing really for a Mercedes, but still. After a
long search, I came across this red 1999 ML 320 in the middle of nowhere in Germany. Its
first owner had passed away. In the pictures, the car looked amazing and, in real life, it did
not disappoint either. Wherever you looked, everything was in mint condition. Once I also
bought my wife an A Class in Germany in the same way. Soon after getting home, I made
an appointment with the RDW for an inspection which, needless to say, it passed with
flying colours. I nevertheless had an uneasy feeling during the inspection; what if I’d been
totally ripped off and the inspector discovered major deficiencies during the inspection?
Luckily, that was not the case. I’ve since done quite a few miles with the ML, including a
holiday trip towing a large caravan. Apart from a set of brake discs, the car requires absolutely no maintenance and that at a price of a couple of thousand below the going rate in
the Netherlands. I can absolutely recommend it”.
Klavermedia
On 20th September 2007, the European Court of
Justice ruled in favour of the identity checks performed by the RDW on vehicles imported from
other EU countries. At the end of 2005, the European Commission objected to compulsory technical inspections and vehicle identity checks performed by the RDW because it allegedly formed a
barrier against free trade. However, the European
Court ruled in favour of the RDW on the issue of
the identity checks.
Klavermedia
The European Court
approves import
procedures of the RDW
More than
twenty years of
experience
The Arnhem inspector looking after this Italian
beauty is Willy ter Bogt. He knows his way
around a car after 21 years of service with the
RDW. Willy says “I get to see the most diverse
range of cars. Once, for instance, I inspected
a Bentley that served as a racing car before
the Second World War. It’s a unique car with
a value of some 2.5 million euros. Sometimes
people turn up with right old wrecks that only
need registration. Of course it’s a pleasure to
see beautiful classic cars like this one, but I
don’t really have a favourite. Yes, after all
these years, it still gives me pleasure. The job
offers enough variation”.
37
RDW PEOPLE
ON THE ROAD
TEXT & pictures Liselore Chevalier
(60)
Fred Smits tra
tive Officer.
17:38 P.M.
nis
Position: Admi
e.
a
Transport: Bicycl
nsformed into
e, sometimes tra
Type: Town bik
iers.
nn
pa
of
set
a
h
grocery bike wit
5 minutes.
re!
Journey time:
d I'm nearly the
good pedal an
A
e:
tim
Passing
GOING HOME
18:03 P.M.
M.
17:55 P.
Arie Hoogenboez
em
(48)
Position: Project Con
troller and RDW cabaret
artist.
Transport: Interliner
bus & walking, or the
car.
Make: A decent pair of
shoes.
Journey time: Approxi
mately 35 minutes.
Passing time: Looking
around me and contem
plating my
sins which, of course,
I don’t have …
(50)
omo ent Officer.
m
Toikr
nforce
E
r
Trees
io
n: Sen
KOM
18:06 P.M.
Elise Wassink (40)
Position: Administrative Officer.
Transport: Car.
ut silencer, but now
Make: Mercedes, sometimes witho
with one.
ing out loud with
Passing time: Chatting and laugh
my colleague Marjolein.
Positio rt: Bicycle.
h RDW
o
vus wit
d me.
.
Transp RDW Bata dle cover.
d behin
rtably
n
d
a
A
s
:
the win itting comfo
e
)
g
p
Ty
vin
, with
s
o
s
d
M
te
n
u
n
a
O
in
ng
(Keep
e: 20 m rtable cycli
ey tim
Journ time: Comfo
g
in
s
Pas
The fact that the RDW
contributes towards
the safest, cleanest,
most economical and
organised form of road
traffic may be clear.
But how do RDW staff
contribute to this traffic
and what do they do
to make their journey
home a pleasant one?
17:41 P.M.
Sebastiaan Smit (24)
tant, Vehicle Registration.
Position: Administrative Assis
Transport: Walking.
Passing time: Step by step…
17:44 P.M.
18:07
Ste
Posit ven T
u
io
Tran n: Adm wata
s
in
nas
Type port: Bic istrativ
sy
e Of
: The
ycle.
ficer. (41)
but t
his o RDW Ba
tavu
ne’s
Jour
s.
s
n
Pass ey time o good, t It’s my t
:
h
h
in
som g time: 25 minu ey’re no ird alrea
etim
t
d
t allo
C
e
s.
es ag ycling,
wed y,
s
to st
ains
t it. ometime
eal it
!
s wit
h the
wind
,
ment.
Depart
e APR
ev
cer in th
W
ffi
O
t
alas)
e
s
Rein n: Senior Ca
re of ko
(Bewa
ckers.
Positio
r.
ti
a
s
C
n
:
a
ali
ort
.
Transp el with Austr s.
driving
simply
Op
ute
Make: time: 10 min e telephone,
y
th
e
n
Journ time: Not o
g
Passin
)
er (53
.M.
P
8
18:0
P.M.
Leon Gooren (32)
Position: Technical Officer, Light.
Transport: Car.
er plates (indicating an
Make: Seat Alhambra with grey numb
LGV) so it's got lots of room.
Journey time: Just under half an hour.
ng to 3FM.
Journey time: Driving, phoning, listeni
18:15 P.M.
ld (47)
ijgsheant.
Jan Kr
sult
on
C
IT
:
Position Car.
.
rt:
Transpo swagen Sharan
a lot
lk
, I make
minutes. car as an office
Make: Vo
0
4
e:
e
tim
th
ey
se
rn
u
u
Jo
ally
time: I re
Passing ee phone calls.
s-fr
of hand
Felix
Positio Frielink
n:
(
Transp Junior Legal 28)
Ad
ort
Journe : Randstad R ministration
y time
Offi
a
il or by
: One a
Passin
train an cer.
nd a
g ti
d bus.
by Phili me: Reading half hours.
p Pullm
– curre
an.
ntly No
rthern
Lights
.
17:46 P.M
t (46)
Thea Poelgees
ive Assistant.
trat
Position: Adminis
bicycle.
Transport: Car or
it’s red.
fine car, just a pity
a
–
ota
Make: Toy
minutes.
10
e:
tim
y
rne
Jou
g the clutch...
nging gears, releasin
Passing time: Cha
ds.
wor
er
oth
in
Nothing special,
.
17:49 P.M.
an (31)
Melanie Bosm
.
inistrative Officer
Position: First Adm
d it:
Transport: Car.
’ve already guesse
r is Italian, so you
Make: My partne
an Alfa 147.
minutes.
se
Journey time: 15
I’m not one of the
using on the traffic;
Passing time: Foc
ing.
driv
ilst
wh
gs
thin
other
people who does
P.M
2
5
:
17
Gea Schneiders (38)
Position: Senior Case Offic
er
Franchising & Supervision
Department.
Transport: Car.
Make: Ford Focus.
Passing time: Enjoying listen
ing to the radio without
being interrupted by my darlin
g daughter.
18:17 P.M.
39)
tein (
lems
ff.
Wil
Kars echnical Sta
ooled.
t, air-c
Varian
n: T
n 1600 utes and
Positio rt: Car.
e
g
a
w
lks
o
min
Transp lovely old Vo etween 30
A
sb
Make: time: Varie
y
.
e
Journ a half hours g to Music.
d
in
one an time: Listen
g
Passin
18
:19
.
P.M
19:03
P.M
.
Bianca Theedens (28)
Position: Administrative Assis
tant in Driving Licences Unit.
Transport: Bus.
Passing time: Smoking a cigare
tte if I have to wait.
39
cars
CORE ACTIVITIES
Admission
Compared to 2006, the RDW inspected or identified 22% more
vehicles imported from other EU member states in 2007. The bulk of
these vehicles originated from Germany, but there is an increase in the
number of vehicles imported from the United States, probably due to
the favourable rate of the dollar against the euro. It is difficult to forecast
the trend for the coming years because tax regimes and the economic
cycle can have a major influence.
In 2006, the RDW introduced ‘drive-in’ inspections. These were also
very popular in 2007. Whereas 50,000 vehicles were presented without
an appointment in 2006, the number increased to 77,000 drive-in
inspections in 2007. This shows that this service is highly popular with
clients. A side effect of drive-in inspections is that it makes the
inspection process more efficient which, in turn, means that some of the
additional inspection demands can be dealt with without having to
recruit additional staff. To meet the wishes of clients, in 2008 the RDW
also wants to perform more ‘onsite’ inspections and inspections at
clients’ homes. This is an advantage for the RDW because it does not
require dedicated inspection facilities. On the other hand, it does make
electronic processing more complex. The idea in 2008 is to issue a
temporary registration certificate immediately after onsite inspection.
The number of number plate registration investigations for new heavy
goods vehicles dropped by 19% in 2007, mainly because of the increase
in the number of category inspections, which means that registration
numbers can be issued in a fast-track process. In other words, these
vehicles are then no longer required to report to an inspection centre.
This trend is set to continue in the coming years with the arrival of the
new framework directive. The number of moped registrations increased
by 200% compared to 2006. This is the result of compulsory
registration of scooters and mopeds. These inspections have been taking
place at RDW inspection centres since November 2006 and were not
part of the fast-track registration scheme.
The RDW is the national authority responsible for
monitoring the safety and environmental aspects of vehicles
in the Netherlands. Even before vehicles are admitted to
public roads, but also after that, the RDW decides whether
the laws and regulations have been complied with.
Difference
’07 - ‘06
Category
certifications
2007
2006
2005
International
category certifications
Dutch
category certifications
Test reports
Conformity
of production (COP)
20,247
18,406
15,737
10%
10,422
8,678
8,858
20%
4,957
3,505
3,372
41%
343
267
325
28%
Category certification (TGK)
Vehicles and vehicle parts must comply with Dutch and international
safety and environmental requirements. To ascertain whether a vehicle
or part of a vehicle complies, a test is carried out where necessary.
Following approval, the manufacturer is given an international
certificate or a Dutch category certificate on the basis of which products
can enter the market without further certification being required. This
certification also forms the basis for admission onto the road network
and thus for registration and number plating in the Netherlands. As the
Dutch certification authority, the RDW performs these category
inspections for manufacturers and importers from across the world. The
RDW performs this statutory duty in competition with other European
inspection and certification authorities.
The growth in turnover continued in 2007, which is partly due to the
new framework directive. As a result, domestic category certification
standards for commercial vehicles have been converted to European
category certification standards. To achieve this, significant
modifications to existing systems were required and there has been a lot
of consultation with manufacturers and importers. The anticipated drop
in the number of Dutch category certifications in 2007 due to the new
framework directive did not materialise. Moreover, turnover from
existing clients increased and the RDW attracted new clients, a major
portion of which came from China.
With the introduction of subsidised carbon filters, the RDW was
commissioned by the Ministry of VROM to approve the fitting of
the carbon filters and their registration. The RDW also regulates the
manufacturers of carbon filters. The limited available subsidies and the
debate about approval certificates issued in Germany placed tremendous
pressure on the performance of these activities. In the meantime,
regulation now includes carbon filters for passenger cars and a similar
process for NOx filters is in the making.
New tax measures have also had an effect. With effect from February
2008, a higher penalty can be imposed based on vehicle emissions or,
on the other hand, a bonus may be awarded. This will make it more
attractive to make minor modifications to a vehicle, which has led to a
higher number of requests for test reports and category certifications.
These developments are compounded by regional measures where, for
instance, emissions form the basis for access to major cities and for
parking rates.
Thanks to the efforts of its staff, the RDW was able to successfully cope
with this extra work. In addition, new employees were appointed and
trained during 2007. All in all, this meant an increase in turnover in
2007 not seen previously (21%). Further standardisation in test reports,
an increase in the number of clients providing electronic information,
process improvements and further digitisation of internal processes have
also contributed to the ability to cope with the extra workload. The
turnaround time for completing projects was further reduced, an aspect
in which the RDW continues to distinguish itself from other service
providers.
Special purpose inspections
Special purpose vehicles, such as buses, taxis and vehicles for the
transport of dangerous substances and refrigerated foodstuffs, are
subject to a special purpose inspection by the RDW, in addition to the
‘normal’ admission inspection. The number of inspections increased
slightly in 2007.
Individual inspections and admissions
The RDW also admits motor vehicles on an individual basis.
This involves imported vehicles, vehicles repaired after heavy damage
and requiring new inspections, and adapted vehicles (for example a
change in the fuel used).
Individual
inspections
Registration
certificate investigations
Customisation inspections
Periodic inspections
2007
2006
2005
Periodic inspections by the RDW
Difference
’07 - ‘06
Periodic inspections of special purpose vehicles, such as buses and
vehicles for transporting dangerous substances, are carried out by the
RDW. The numbers of these vehicles hardly fluctuate, which means
that the total number of annual inspections remain fairly constant.
The number
of imported
from
the United States
is on the increase,
probably as a result
of the favourable
dollar rate
Admitting exceptional transport
All types of transport exceeding the legal limits in measurements and/or
weights must be in possession of an exemption permit before driving on
public roads. With the introduction of the national exemption-licensing
act (‘Wet Centrale Ontheffing Verlening’ - COV) in January 2006, the
RDW is the authority for issuing these licences for the whole of the
Netherlands. This already meant a substantial increase in the number of
licences issued in 2006 and the increase continued in 2007 (+40%).
As a result, the time required for issuing an exemption increased to
2.4 days in 2007, with the norm being two days.
The RDW also continued consultations with all the relevant parties (road
administration authorities and transport companies) to further optimise
the processes. For example, applications can now be submitted via the
Internet. Investments made in process optimisation mean that no further
staff increases were necessary and that charges were lowered in 2008.
Supervision and inspections
Once a vehicle has been allowed onto the public road
network in the Netherlands, it is subject to regular
safety and environmental inspections, known as the
general periodic roadworthiness inspection (‘Algemene
Periodieke Keuring’ - APK). This type of inspection is
mandatory across Europe to improve road safety and
protect the environment. It involves an inspection of the
technical condition of the vehicle in question. In the
Netherlands, APK inspections are performed by garages
specially licensed by the RDW to perform these
inspections. This collaboration between the authorities
and the corporate sector saves drivers and the
government a lot of money. There are more than 9,000
inspection centres in the Netherlands where drivers can
have their vehicles inspected. In many cases, the annual
APK inspection is combined with a general service, thus
also saving the driver time and sometimes also money.
RDW inspectors carry out random checks on the
inspections, the APK inspectors and garages.
authoriseD agents
196,022
160,679
138,112
22%
4,469
4,246
4,065
5%
Admission
of exceptional
transport
24,786
24,013
23,367
3%
Exemptions
2007
2006
2005
147,285
105,421
69,376
Difference
’07 - ‘06
40%
The RDW issues a range of licences authorising companies in the
vehicle industry. In addition to authorised agents for performing
APK inspections, fitting fuel conversions (LPG), speed limiters and
tachographs (TAs), the RDW also licenses commercial fleets,
commercial number plates (green number plates in the Netherlands)
and the production of number plates.
41
CORE ACTIVITIES
2007
2006
2005
authorised agents
APK, LPG, speed limiters/TA
and combinations
Commercial fleet,
commercial number plates
and number plate
manufacturers
9,491
9,396
Difference
’07 - ‘06
9,367
Disassembly
Export
Ascription
motor company
Number plates
Fast-track process
2007
1%
2006
2005
Test centre visits
20,909
20,381
20,136
3%
Competencies for authorisation
of commercial fleets, commercial number plates, etc.
Commercial fleets/
commercial number plates
graphs or speed limiters are visited once a year. Number plate manufacturers and agents licensed to ascribe vehicles are visited twice a year.
20,558
20,011
19,797
3%
582
585
585
-1%
1,978
1,824
1,721
8%
3,163
2,671
2,353
18%
351
346
339
1%
308
266
245
16%
Authorised agents for APK inspections, LPG conversions,
speed limiters / TAs
To obtain authorised APK agent status, the garage has to have braketesting equipment, multiple emission measuring instruments and diesel
carbon measuring instruments. Partly in response to legal requirements
and the investments needed, garages are increasingly applying for
authorised agent status jointly. This explains the almost constant
number of authorised agents. The RDW expects the number of garages
with authorised APK inspection agent status to decrease in the long
term because of the required investments.
Authorised agents for commercial fleets, the commercial
number plates and registration certificates scheme and
number plate manufacturers
Compared to 2006, the number of authorised agents increased slightly
by 3%. Since vehicle exports have become more popular because of the
purchase tax (BPM) rebate, more than 150 companies requested
‘export’ authorised in 2007, representing an increase of 8%. The
number of agents authorised to ascribe vehicles continued to increase
(18%) because the administration fee charged for the request has been
drastically reduced in the past.
Monitoring authorised agents
By means of onsite visits, the RDW verifies whether authorised agents
continue to meet the relevant requirements. Should that not be the case,
the RDW can impose a sanction. A licence may be temporarily
suspended or permanently revoked. The RDW visits recognised agents
for APK inspections, commercial fleet and commercial number plates
once every two years. Agents licensed to fit LPG conversions, tacho-
APK, LPG, speed limiter/TA
Commercial fleet,
commercial number plates,
number plate manufacturers
and related
competencies
Difference
’07 - ‘06
6,322
5,818
6,751
9%
24,456
24,602
23,167
-1%
Onsite visits and sanctions
In 2007, onsite inspectors visited 6,322 agencies authorised to perform
APK inspections, fit LPG conversions, speed limiters and TAs,
including both regular inspection visits and visits following new
applications. The RDW imposed 696 sanctions on authorised agents.
Of these, 243 were given a warning, 100 received a technical
suspension, 144 a conditional suspension and 153 a temporary
suspension. Eventually, the licences of 56 agents were permanently
revoked. A temporary suspension varies in accordance with the severity
of the breach, ranging between six and 12 weeks. After this period and
following approval by the RDW, an agent can get its licence back. Of
the APK inspectors, 563 were sanctioned. In terms of agents authorised
for commercial fleets, commercial number plates, number plate
manufacturers and corresponding authorisations, 25 inspectors visited
more than 24,000 companies in 2007.
The number of sanctions imposed declined across the board compared
to 2006. The causes can be found in the reduction in the number of
reports by the police, the tax authorities and the national vehicle crime
institute (LIV) compared to 2006. Greater priority was also given to
informative visits to number plate manufacturers in connection with the
new GAIK (controlled issuing and return of number plates) Online
service. These visits did not lead to any sanctions being imposed.
Informative visits work preventatively because licence holders remain
more aware of the applicable laws and regulations.
technical APK checks were performed. This equals about 0.5% of
checks on the ‘heavy goods vehicle fleet’. Staff capacity was stretched as
a result of the growing range of inspection types. Another factor is a
restricted recruitment policy in view of uncertainties regarding expected
changes in the APK inspection frequency, as well as the issue
surrounding import inspections being dealt with by the European
Court of Justice.
Partly due to the strict enforcement of the APK 1 inspection
requirement by the Public Prosecution Service and the RDW, the range
of inspections has increased by 5%.
The legal requirement for random checks on 5% for LPG conversions
and speed limiter and TA fittings was not achieved in 2007. Here too,
the uncertainties mentioned earlier and the under capacity played a role.
The high fuel prices made LPG popular in 2006 and 2005. As a result,
there were many LPG conversions during those years. In 2007, there
was a drop in the number of LPG conversions (-13%).
In addition, the number of speed limiters fitted dropped by 84%
compared to 2006. This concerns the mandatory fitting of speed
limiters to vehicles of between 3,500kg and 12,000kg. These fittings
have now been completed.
2007
2006
2005
Test reports
APK 1
APK 2
LPG
Speed limiters/TA
Difference
’07 - ‘06
266,459
254,564
244,487
5%
6,974,179
6,809,993
6,581,002
2%
17,067
19,536
13,800
-13%
84,623
82,906
77,240
2%
Random tests
APK 1
APK 2
LPG
Speed limiters/TA
Random
sample
percentage
5,079
6,621
7,509
-23%
206,455
209,469
207,995
-1%
784
918
815
-15%
2,530
3,688
3,211
-31%
Standard
2007
2006
2005
Monitoring of licensed work
In addition to monitoring authorised agents, the RDW also monitors
the quality of APK inspections performed and the fitting of LPG
conversions, speed limiters and TAs. This is done by random checks on
vehicles reported as inspected at the RDW.
The legal requirement of random checks of 3% for APK 1 inspections
(heavy goods vehicles) was not achieved in 2007 due to capacity
problems.
On the other hand, in collaboration with the national police authority
(KLPD) and the traffic and water management inspection service
(‘Inspectie Verkeer en Waterstaat’ - IVW), more than 1,000 roadside
APK 1
APK 2
LPG
Speed limiters/TA
3%
1.9%
2.6%
3.1%
3%
3.0%
3.1%
3.2%
5%
4.6%
4.7%
5.9%
5%
3.0%
4.5%
4.2%
Registration
and provision of information
The RDW registers the data of almost ten million vehicles
and their owners. In addition, the databases also contain
craft, insurance, driver registration, scooter registration
and personal data. These databases serve as important
information sources for authorities such as the Dutch tax
authority, the police and other investigative organisations.
But they also serve private organisations, such as insurance
companies and the car industry. There is also a great
demand for this data at an international level.
Information supplied from databases
Supply of electronic
and other forms of
information
according to client
category (x 1,000)
Police and Justice department
Vehicle industry
Ministry of Finance
(Tax and Customs Authority)
Private clients
Insurance companies
(vehicle information
via the Internet since 2006)
BKR clients
Other (CBS, CBR, IVW)
Total
Online information
supply
Batch information
supply
2007
2006
2005
Difference
’07 - ‘06
222,900
149,700
152,700
49%
195,700
134,300
126,600
46%
20,500
27,500
17,500
-25%
28,500
23,000
16,300
24%
8,800
11,400
8,800
-23%
-29%
3,200
4,500
2,700
43,100
35,200
22,300
22%
522,700
385,600
346,900
35%
116,400
105,000
83,900
11%
406,300
280,600
263,000
45%
Police and Justice department
Requests for information from the police and justice department have
once again increased significantly in 2007. A new client joined this
group in 2007 – the Ministry of the Interior (BZK) – for investigative
activities. In 2007, BZK received more than 23 million pieces of
information.
Vehicle industry
Information supplied by the RDW to the providers and directly to
the vehicle industry increased across the board. This increase is the
result of both a greater pool of information at the RDW’s disposal
and a greater need for information. The total increase was 46%.
43
CORE ACTIVITIES
Ministry of Finance
Vehicles require papers: registration certificates, driving
licences, scooter and moped certificates, etc. They tell us
something about the specifications and identity of vehicles
and provide the necessary proof for the owner that he or
she is the rightful owner or keeper of the vehicle and
qualified and authorised to drive the vehicle. The
information contained on these documents stems from
the databases of the RDW.
Private clients
Information supplied to private clients increased by 24%. This was as a
result of additional vehicle information available on www.rdw.nl.
Among other things, the RDW supplies environmental information on
the site. The website also provides information about whether a vehicle
is registered by the RDW as being insured. This additional information
reflects the development of e-Government, with the RDW providing
information on the data stored in the basic register of vehicles.
Issued
documents
Insurance companies
Online information provided to insurance companies dropped by
23%. In order to check their own data, insurance companies
regularly request extracts from the RDW insurance database. The
number of extracts and also the detail of the extracts dropped
dramatically compared to 2006. These numbers are subject to
substantial fluctuations on a year-by-year basis. The number of
insurance registrations and de-registrations remained virtually
unchanged compared to 2006.
Clients from the Credit Registration Bureau (BKR)
Other
This category includes Statistics Netherlands (CBS), the national
driver certification agency (‘Centraal Bureau Rijvaardigheidsbewijzen’
- CBR) and the transport and water management inspection service
(IVW). A new client joined this group in 2007, the vehicle crime
insurance centre (‘Verzekeringsbureau Voertuigcriminaliteit’ - VbV),
leading to an increase in information supplied of 22%.
Other information supplied
Difference
’07 - ‘06
Supply of other
information
2007
Telephone
Email
Correspondence
Downloaded brochures
and forms
Visits to www.rdw.nl
954,657
958,298
877,400
0%
82,584
67,151
58,668
23%
2005
44,088
21,198
18,052
108%
833,727
827,312
216,775
1%
11,003,907
9,350,248
6,947,045
18%
Information provided by telephone remained virtually unchanged
compared to 2006. Since there was still a high demand in 2006 in
connection with the scooter and moped registration project, in 2007
we witnessed an overall increase in the demand for information. The
average waiting time for clients phoning the client service helpdesk
dropped by 20%.
2007
Registration certificate
part IA (vehicle certificate)
Registration certificate
part IB (ascription certificate)
Driving licences
Scooter and moped
certificates
2006
2005
Difference
’07 - ‘06
1,077,000
982,000
863,000
10%
3,432,000
3,195,000
3,004,000
7%
1,902,000
1,150,000
794,000
65%
283
74,000
77,000
n/a
Registration certificates
In 2006, the RDW verified the validity of driving licences 4.5
million times for clients of the BKR, mainly banks. This figure does
require some finer distinction. In 2006, a number of major banks
asked their clients to identify themselves in view of changed regulations. Driving licences are often used as a means of identification.
There were no major identification actions in 2007, which means the
volume of information supplied to the BKR dropped again.
2006
Registration certificate IA (vehicle registration certificate)
Document issuing
Some incidental information was supplied during 2006, resulting in
an exceptionally high information need from this client group in that
year. In 2007, the level dropped back to that of 2005.
The number of letters received doubled in comparison to 2006,
primarily due to an increased demand for information from bailiffs,
among others. A legislative amendment allows bailiffs to request
information from the RDW with effect from 1st January 2007. In
this context, the RDW built a new application to be able to respond
more rapidly to these requests.
Since this application was not completed on time, there is a backlog
in responding to the letters. Only 50% of the letters were dealt with
within the agreed norm of nine working days. The affected client
groups were contacted in good time about this problem and showed
understanding regarding the situation. Since this time, 90% of
additional requests via the application are being dealt with and the
processing time is back to the agreed norm of 90 to 95% within
nine working days.
Since European registration certificates were harmonised in 2004, they
consist of two parts. Part I consists of the vehicle registration certificate
(part IA), containing the vehicle specifications, and the ascription
certificate (part IB), containing the personal details of the owner.
Part II forms the ownership transfer certificate. The vehicle registration
and the ownership transfer certificate of a new number plate are both
issued by the RDW to importers and individual vehicle owners.
Post Offices, authorised agents and RDW service counters issue
ascription certificates IB.
There was yet again an increase in email traffic in 2007. This increase
is in line with social trends in the use of email. Despite this increase
in demand for information by email, the RDW succeeded in further
reducing the response time.
The use of the Internet has been increasing for a number of years
now, as it also did in 2007. The RDW continues to strive to extend
electronic services. Requesting vehicle details via rdw.nl remains on
the increase. New items are constantly being added to meet clients’
information needs. At the end of 2007, the RDW launched the
service to request a replacement number plate via its website. This
service has been very well received. The RDW will continue to offer
more services on the web in 2008.
The total number of fast-track and individually issued registration
certificates increased by 10% in 2007; at EUR 37, the charge for issuing
part IA remained unchanged in 2007. The number of number plates
issued under the fast-track scheme increased by 7%. The number of
individually issued number plates increased by 13%. The increase in the
number of fast-track issues was primarily for commercial vehicles
(+25%) and mopeds (+36%). The number of registration plates issued
for passenger cars increased by 1%. The increase in the number of
individually issued registration certificates was due to an increase in the
number of import inspections following the economic recovery.
In 2007, there was a 9% increase in the number of replacement
registration certificates issued compared to 2006, caused by a significant
increase in the number of replacement scooter and moped registration
certificates (175%). Scooters and mopeds have been subject to
registration since 2005. Because these number plates have now been in
circulation for some time, losses have meant an increase in the demand
for replacement certificates. The number of special registration
certificates issued in 2007 dropped by 24% compared to 2006. The
reason for this is the abolition of seven-day registration certificates. With
effect from July 2007, seven-day registration certificates were fully
replaced by transit registration plates. However, the demand for transit
plates is considerably lower. For example: the number of seven-day
registration certificates issued between July 2006 and the end of
December 2006 was 7,911, compared to 1,375 transit registration
certificates issued between July 2007 and the end of December 2007.
This represents a drop of 83%. The comparison relates to the last half of
the year because, during the first half of 2007, it was possible to request
either a seven-day or a transit registration certificate.
Registration certificate IB (ascription certificate)
In 2007, more than 7% more ascription certificates were issued than in
2006; the charge for issuing part IB was reduced by 12% in 2007 to
EUR 9. Following the economic recovery, more vehicles changed hands,
in particular passenger and company cars. Ascription certificates issued
by recognised agents increased by 18%. Post Offices continue to issue
the majority of these certificates but there is a clear shift towards
authorised agents. The increase in the number of registration
transactions in 2007 was largely the result of the integration of the new
number plate categories for trailers/semi-trailers, scooters and mopeds in
all of the RDW processes.
Driving licences
RDW Director Johan Hakkenberg issued the one millionth
fraud-resistant driving licence in credit card format to Mr.
Paul Paree on 30th March 2007.
Municipal councils are responsible for issuing driving licences. In 2007,
municipal councils issued some 1.9 million driving licences. Managing
the national driver and scooter and moped registration database
(‘Centraal Rijbewijzen- en Bromfietscertificatenregister’ - CRB) is one
of the tasks of the RDW. Around 11 million drivers are registered in the
CRB. The RDW has set up a helpdesk to assist municipal councils in
issuing driving licences. The councils used this service almost 60,000
times in 2007, which is an increase of some 10,000 compared to 2006
(50,439). Anyone who wishes to exchange a foreign driving licence for a
Dutch one has to do so through the RDW. The RDW also issues driving
45
CORE ACTIVITIES
Mopeds
Moped certificates
In 2007, only 283 moped certificates were issued. In 2006, the total was
74,250. The reason is that moped certificates were replaced by a separate
category on the driving licence (category AM). Only people without
valid residence status still qualify for a separate moped certificate because,
in order to apply for a driving licence, a person must be in possession of a
valid residence permit.
Objections and appeals
In its capacity as an implementing authority, the RDW takes
numerous decisions against which the public and the
corporate sector may register objections pursuant to the
General Administration Act (‘Algemene wet bestuursrecht’
- Awb). In addition, as supervisory body, the RDW imposes
sanctions on recognised agents and inspectors who breach the
rules. These are also open to objections and appeals.
Notices of objection
In 2007, the RDW received a total of 1,753 notices of objection.
Twenty of these related to staff. This means that the total number of
objections submitted compared to the year before dropped by 283.
2006 saw many objections, mainly against refusals to issue registration
certificates for scooters and mopeds. On the other hand, there was a
slight increase in 2007 in the number of objections raised against
refusals to issue Dutch driving licences in return for foreign driving
licences.
Notices of
objection
Notices of objection
submitted
2007
1,753
2006
2,036
2005
1,002
The notices of objection included recognition of APK inspection
agents, the ability to perform APK inspections, commercial fleet
certification, certification to fit LPG conversions, speed limiters and
tachographs, sitting qualification tests and APK inspector examinations,
ascription of registration certificates, refusals to issue registration
certificates and converting driving licences. The remaining objections
varied in nature.
Scooter and moped owners who had failed to use the
administrative procedure to obtain a registration certificate
consequently had to make an appointment with the RDW
for an inspection. Failure to show up at this appointment
resulted in an invoice from the RDW. In 330 cases, an
objection was lodged against this procedure. If these instances
are ignored, the number of complaints increased by 9%
compared to 2006. Of a total of 1,310 complaints, 404 were
ruled unfounded (30.8%).
Processing objections and appeals
In 2007, the RDW processed 2,056 objection and appeal cases in
accordance with the Awb procedures. Part of these concerned cases
pending from preceding years. In 1,407 of the cases, an objection or
appeal was ruled unfounded or inadmissible. In 649 of the cases, an
objection or appeal was ruled founded or partly founded. A total of
1,916 objections were considered in 2007, which is an increase of
376 decisions compared to 2006. At the end of 2007, a further 103
notices of objection were still being considered. The number of
appeals rulings continued to decline from 105 in 2006 to 88 in
2007. In 286 of the cases, the objection or appeal was withdrawn
during the procedure or there were reasons for dealing with them
differently.
NUMBER
OF PROCESSED
OBJECTIONS
AND APPEALS
Founded/partly
founded
Unfounded/
inadmissible
Total
Withdrawn or otherwise
processed
Total
Decisions
on
objections
Appeals
Provisional
settlements
634
14
1
649
1,282
74
51
1,407
1,916
88
52
2,056
238
32
16
286
2,154
120
68
2,342
Total
The summary below shows that more than 74% of the
complaints in 2007 were dealt with within the norm of four
weeks applied by the RDW. 89% had been dealt with within
the legal term of six weeks. Compared to 2006, this is a
marginal deterioration, which is the result of the increase in
the number of complaints in connection with the aforementioned scooter and moped registration project.
The turnaround time is now on the increase. In some cases,
dealing with complaints took longer because the person in
question failed to respond to a request to provide additional
information required to assess the complaint. Delays also
occurred because some cases involved consultations with
several different parties.
2007
Complaints and ombudsman cases
The RDW strives to deal with complaints quickly and
effectively. To this end, we have a uniform complaints
procedure that not only satisfies the requirements of the
General Administrative Law Act (Awb), but even goes a step
further. Whereas the Awb requires that a complaint be dealt
with and settled within six weeks, the RDW works to a norm
of four weeks. Pursuant to the national ombudsman act
(‘Wet Nationale Ombudsman’), a member can submit a
complaint to the national ombudsman regarding the RDW.
In principle, the national ombudsman does not instigate an
investigation until the internal complaints procedure at the
RDW has been exhausted.
Complaints
The total number of complaints in 2007 was 1,310, compared to
885 in 2006. In 330 cases of this increase by 425, the complaints were
related to the one-off registration of scooters and mopeds.
2006
Complaints
Number of complaints
% founded complaints
Average processing time:
< 4 weeks (RDW norm)
Average processing time:
< 6 weeks (legal norm)
1,310
885
69%
65%
74%
81%
89%
93%
National Ombudsman
In 2007, the national ombudsman was presented with 39
complaints by the RDW. In 2006, 32 complaints were
submitted. The national ombudsman designated 31 cases as
complaints in accordance with Chapter 9 of the Awb and
these were dealt with by the RDW as internal complaints.
One complaint was deemed by the national ombudsman as a
notice of objection and was dealt with by a ruling on the
objection. The national ombudsman ruled five complaints as
founded. The remaining two cases are still being considered.
Ton Roks travelling
the world
There is a link between driving a car and music.
I’ve suspected as much for a while but recently had
confirmation from Mark Knopfler, the superb guitarist
from Dire Straits.
Cars don’t make music, but if you treat them
correctly, they do produce a sense of magnificence.
When I drive a good car along a beautiful route, the
singing of the tyres and the purring of the engine are
a tonic for my soul. But the real memorable moments
are those on winding roads or on the Nürburgring,
the treacherous yet enticing test track in the Eifel in
Germany, which we motor journalists enjoy using
so much. The curves are difficult and not easy to
anticipate; the asphalt appears to have been draped
across the hills at random.
When I succeed in cutting the corners at precisely the
right angle, if I don’t have a fraction too much or too
little grip, if I accelerate at exactly the right moment
and shoot through curve after curve at an exhilarating
speed, my heart sings with joy. And the car enjoys it
too, driving leaves its own body and becomes a stylish
dance together from curve to curve, almost hoping
that it would never end. Rally drivers are experts at this
dance. Have you ever witnessed the late Colin McRae
at work on Eurosport – filmed from a helicopter –
racing his rally car through the winding mountain
roads of Sicily? Fabulous.
I have had moderate tastes of that joy on all sorts of
tracks. And often I got the feeling that Jimi Hendrix
perhaps experienced exactly the same feeling with
a perfect rendition of Star Spangled Banner, and
perhaps experienced the ultimate ecstasy if every
touch of the strings, every sound, every interval, was
absolutely perfect. Mark Knopfler confirmed this in
a TV interview. This Sultan of Swing is not only a
master guitarist, but also a skilled driver in his classic
Maserati. “Racing, exactly the same as making music,
is executing a range of complex actions in succession
and at exactly the right moments”, said Knopfler. That’s
why I can’t see cars simply as a means of getting people
from A to B. They are also unique instruments able to
produce great moments. We drivers are the artists they
require to excel. And the roads of the world are our
stage.
TON ROKS (54) is Editor-in-Chief
of the magazine AutovisiE.
Column byTON
licences for people residing outside the EU/EEA who wish to renew
their Dutch driving licences. In addition, since 2006, the RDW has also
been responsible for converting military driving licences. In total, the
RDW processed about 20,000 driving licence applications in 2007,
which is up from 12,427 in 2006. Part of this increase can be explained
by military driving licences. Another reason is that a large section of the
public wanted to get hold of the credit card format driving licence and
therefore applied for a new driving licence before it was really necessary.
47
WHAT does THE RDW inspect?
Anyone who thinks the RDW only inspects cars has got it wrong. The Dutch vehicle fleet totals
more than two million different types of motor vehicle, all of which require the ‘RDW stamp of
approval’. Max Uttien, Head of individual special inspections (‘Individuele Keuringen Speciaal’ IKS) within the RDW inspects some 6,000 vehicles or vehicle components a year together with a
team of 22 experienced inspectors. From tankers for transporting dangerous substances to
mobile heavy equipment, such as mobile cranes. Here we give you
a cross-section elaborated with his expert comments.
Live animal
transport
Vehicles designated for transporting live
animals are required to satisfy a range
of standards. You will see below how
this inspection is conducted.
TEXT Lucas Boot PHOTOGRAPHY RDW, Ingmar Timmer
What
RDW inspectors Erik Jan Heck and Dennis
Schuybroek have a lot of work to do. Today they
are due to inspect twelve vehicles for live animal
transport undertaking journeys exceeding eight
hours. If the vehicles pass the test, they receive a
certificate that is valid for five years. “But then the
vehicles have to be designed and fitted so that the
chances of the animals being injured or suffering
during transport are reduced to a minimum”, Heck
explains. For instance, he and his colleague inspect
the quality of the floor, the drinking water supply
and the ventilation system, which has to guarantee
a temperature of between 5 and 30ºC. Sensors
keep a close watch on the temperature. “If the
acceptable range is exceeded, the driver is alerted
via telephone and is required to take action”,
Schuybroek explains.
Adding more load
does RDW inspect
1 “This tanker transports dangerous
2 “There are all shapes and sizes of mobile
substances, which means a higher risk.
The inspection is therefore based on specific
international laws and regulations. For
example, we perform a density and pressure
test. The materials must meet very high
standards, not only as far as strength is
concerned, but also durable tolerance against
certain substances that require transporting.
Joints and seams are also tested using X-rays.
Sometimes, from a commercial point of view,
manufacturers and users push the limits by
complying with the legal requirements using
the cheapest possible options. If a tank, for
instance, is damaged or a fraction of
millimetre too thin, we have to fail it. This
sometimes leads to irritating reactions from
and discussions with clients”.
heavy equipment. For example, concrete
mixers and pumps and mobile cranes. These
monsters sometimes weigh up to 108 tonnes
and can be as long as 26 metres. They are
usually complex, but certainly very expensive
machines. An inspector requires five to six
years’ experience to assess whether such a
vehicle should be allowed on the road. With
the introduction of new technology and/or
new concepts, we also perform tests at our
own test track in Lelystad”.
3 “This vehicle, designed at the Technical
University (TU) at Delft, is powered by solar
energy. We tested the construction in
particular because it did not conform to
normal specifications in many aspects –
The two inspectors get into the trailer. Using a
laser, they determine the measurements of the
vehicle. Heck: “Using this data, we calculate the
floor space allowable for animal transport”. In the
past, it was still possible to stop somewhere along
the way and load extra animals. Now, a navigation
system registers every movement of the vehicles.
for example, the lighting – and then issued a
number plate and registration certificate for
restricted use. The fact that this vehicle has
nevertheless been allowed on the Amsterdam ring road is the responsibility of the
Mayor, Job Cohen. Being in charge of the
local roads network, he is authorised to
make exceptions to the Road Traffic Act and
implement more detailed or other requirements. If I remember correctly, the car had a
police escort in this instance”.
4 “We distinguish between different types of
client: major, regular commercial clients and
private clients who only deal with us on a
one-off basis, such as in the case of this
invalid carrier specially adapted to the
disabilities of its owner. We take a special
look at the braking system, the body, the
design and technical workmanship”.
5 Manufacturers are constantly developing
new concepts and technologies; this can be
complete vehicles, but also vehicle components. In some cases, this may result in a
prototype that requires testing on the road,
often equipped with all sorts of measuring
instruments. Although there is often no legal
framework for these vehicles yet, the laws
and regulations still offer sufficient room,
obviously with the necessary restrictions
applying, such as carrying little or no load
and a restricted registration certificate”.
The system can also ‘see’ when the tailgate and/
or doors are opened. In other words, it is no longer
possible to secretly load more animals.
Sharp piece of iron
Following the measurement, Schuybroek detects
a sharp piece of iron on the tailgate. Heck notes
down his colleague's discovery in his notebook.
“The inside must naturally be free of sharp objects.
The animals could otherwise injure themselves.
For the same reason, there can be no gaps or
other openings in the floor”. Heck goes through his
checklist. He will decide later whether the vehicle
will be given a certificate.
If not, the RDW gives the owner the opportunity
to make the required modifications to the vehicle.
In the meantime, the transport of live animals is
prohibited.
49
GREEN AROUND THE CORNER
Leading role for RDW in preparing environmental rules
It hardly needs saying that cars are becoming cleaner
and cleaner. But what about the future, be it near or
distant? Can cars become even more economical, what is
the situation with electric cars and when are we going
to drive on hydrogen? And what role will the RDW play in
all these developments?
TEXT Guus Peters PHOTOGRAPHY HOLLANDSE HOOGTE, ANP
According to Koos Burgman, Managing Director of the
garage owners’ association, Bovag, ‘a clean car’ will become
a pleonasm in the foreseeable future, the same as ‘a dead
corpse’ or ‘a round circle’. Burgman believes that cars are
rapidly becoming much cleaner. Indeed, one 1975 saloon
alone now causes more pollution than over sixty of its currentday cousins. Several manufacturers are already taking the
opportunity to have their vehicles comply with CO2 emission
standards that only take effect in 2012 or beyond. This is good
to hear, but the vehicle industry would never have taken this
initiative on its own …
History shows that changes in the vehicle industry were
almost always precipitated by government actions. When
lead-free petrol became the norm in the mid-1980s, cars
without catalytic converters rapidly became dead stock. And,
prompted by films such as An Inconvenient Truth by Al Gore,
the European Union – and the Dutch government in extenso –
very quickly agreed standards regarding CO2 emissions by cars
in the past year. In fact, the vehicle regulations development
department (‘Ontwikkeling Voertuigreglementering’ - OVR) of
the RDW was closely involved in this process.
Hybrid Porsche
Car manufacturers are coming under increasing pressure from
stricter emissions rules, also from the EU. In particular, the
requirement that, with effect from 2012, cars can on average
emit no more than 130 grammes of CO2 per kilometre, is seen
by many car manufacturers as quite ‘vigorous’, to put it mildly.
French and Italian car manufacturers such as Peugeot and
Fiat – who traditionally produce more compact than large
cars – are almost achieving that target already, but builders of
larger and heavier vehicles don’t have it that easy in this respect.
German manufacturers especially have made their voices heard,
while accepting, on the other hand, that these measures are
necessary. This explains why even a company like Porsche offers
a hybrid version (petrol and electric engine) of the large fourwheel drive Cayenne.
BMW, who also have 'thirsty' vehicles in their range, approaches
it on a wider front. BMW launched the Efficient Dynamics
concept, specifically involving modifications to existing cars.
For example, heavy metals are being replaced with aluminium,
magnesium or synthetic materials, all diesel models have been
fitted with carbon filters and petrol cars all have a new fuel
injection system. An automatic start-stop function ensures that
the engine only runs when necessary, and components such
as the dynamo, water pump and oil pump only function when
required. Energy released during braking is available for power
and, all told, it makes a car such as the 1-Series not only 15%
more powerful but, paradoxically, also 14% more economical.
Electric cars
BMW’s boss, Norbert Reithofer, has announced that BMW
is developing a compact city car. He does not exclude the
possibility that the manufacturer will relatively soon produce
a fully electric-powered car. A decision will be made about this
in 2008. Nissan has already taken that decision. The Japanese
manufacturer will introduce a mass-produced, fully electricpowered car in 2010. This quiet and clean Nissan will also be
available on the Dutch market in 2012. Hummer, the producer
of exclusively large US SUVs (multi-purpose vehicles) should
be the most vulnerable to the so-called ‘slurp’ or ‘guzzle’ tax
51
GREEN AROUND THE CORNER
From left to tight: Concept car equipped with electric motors on each of the four wheels, powered by a fuel cell that does not emit any harmful substances;
Petrol station where you can fill up with bio-diesel, ethanol, PPO and natural gas; Information about fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
From left to right: Carbon filters; Hydrogen tank; Rape seed for producing bio-diesel.
but, according to Dick Braakhekke, Public Relations Director
at the European importer of Cadillac, Corvette and Hummer,
they’re working hard on the issue. “Between now and two
years’ time, all the Hummer models will be able to run on E85
(bio-fuel). No other make of car can make the same claim.
Furthermore, you don’t need to be a scientist to foresee that
cars are becoming more compact. Therefore, a small Hummer
is on its way and we have already seen the prototype (the HX).
synthetics. Carbon filters are required to clean up diesel
cars but again mean an increase in weight. The fact that fuel
consumption is nevertheless continuing to drop is the result
of technical engine improvements. More valves per cylinder
and advanced fuel injection systems mean that engines use
fuel more efficiently, burn it more effectively and achieve
greater performance. At least 20% of all new cars sold in the
Netherlands are already more fuel efficient than required by
causes more pollution
A single 1975 saloon now
modern-day cousins.
than sixty of its
It will only be four metres long (shorter than a Volkswagen
Golf) and more economical and cleaner than most would
expect from a Hummer”, says Braakhekke. He also announced
a hybrid version of the big Cadillac Escalade, while the parent
company, General Motors, is working hard on cars that can run
on hydrogen and a range of other forms of energy.
European directives. Also the application of ‘direct-shift’ gears
and new six- or seven-speed automatic transmissions, tyres
with lower resistance, lightweight body components (such as
bonnets and boots) and so-called thermo management (with
engine heat being used efficiently) has offered the car industry
the opportunity to make their products more economical.
Carbon filters
Quieter cars
Other manufacturers, too, are rapidly introducing ‘green’
measures, but the discrepancy is that cars, partly thanks
to government imposed safety measures, such as airbags
and crash bars in the doors, are getting heavier and heavier.
Recycling requirements – in accordance with European
standards, 95% of a modern car must be reusable –
furthermore require more metal to be used instead of lighter
Whether or not in the near future, it will also become increasingly important for private car owners to keep a keen eye on
the pollution levels of their new cars. For instance, with the
introduction of road pricing in 2012, the environmental aspects of cars will also be taken into account. Owners of clean
vehicles will pay less. Moreover, various municipal councils are
looking into possibilities to link parking rates to factors such as
CO2 emissions and fuel consumption.
The RDW takes a leading role in these
initiatives, because it provides essential
environmental information on cars for these
measures. But the RDW is also involved in the
environment in numerous other areas. RDW
policy officers, for instance, are closely involved in policy initiatives at European and/or
international level. When it comes to cars and
the environment, fuel consumption and emissions are always an issue, but an aspect such
as noise is often neglected. This is a pity in
the opinion of Theun Stoffels, a policy officer
in the OVR department. “Noise or sound is a
significant factor. In recent years, cars have
become a lot quieter, but that, in turn, leads
to new approaches. In our measurements, for
instance, we look at the overall noise produced by a car as it appears to a passer-by.
Then it strikes you that engines have become
a lot quieter. If a lorry drives past on the
motorway, you can hardly hear its engine anymore, but you clearly hear the noise produced
by the tyres. The same applies to passenger
cars; wider and low-profile tyres, which are
so fashionable at the moment, produce more
noise. On the other hand, tyres are always a
compromise; they are a factor in the safety,
economy and the level of noise produced by a
car”, Stoffels explains.
Influence on directives
Clean and economical...
According to his colleague, André Rijnders,
the RDW has more influence on European
directives than anybody would think. “The
CO2 directives that will soon apply to the car
industry were agreed in a working group of
the European Commission on which I have a
seat. We are mainly responsible for technical
aspects and have numerous consultations
with the car industry. A tricky element of the
whole CO2 debate is that extremely clean
sometimes also means uneconomical (see
also the section ‘Clean and economical’ –
Ed.). We are also looking at new forms of
fuel. Directives are required for cars running
on hydrogen and bio-fuels, the same as for
natural gas. Dutch regulations in respect of
natural gas, for instance, are applied across
the whole of Europe. Various Asian countries
also use them”, according to Rijnders.
In the debate about cars, concepts such as
‘clean’ and ‘economical’ sometimes tend to
get mixed up. Especially in view of the recent
debate about CO2. It is wise to use these two
concepts correctly. Virtually all cars are actually
‘clean’ when it comes to the composition of gas
emissions. An enormous all-purpose vehicle
may be fitted with an equally enormous gasguzzling eight cylinder engine, but is actually
clean thanks to its catalytic converter or, in the
case of a diesel vehicle, its carbon filter.
‘Economical’, however, is a completely different
matter, which is directly related to the very
topical CO2 debate. After all, an uneconomical
vehicle uses much more fuel and, consequently,
also emits a lot of CO2, which has a direct
effect on global warming. This development
also explains the introduction of the ‘slurp’ tax
to discourage the acquisition of uneconomical
cars. It has certainly had an effect; through
technical modifications to huge vehicles like the
Hummer H2, the slurp tax dropped from EUR
29,000 to EUR 19,000. The main benefit for
the environment clearly lies in the fact that the
car uses less fuel. And drivers notice this when
paying to fill up their cars.
53
DigiTISatioN
Where the number
of visitors to Online
Vehicle Information
in 2005 was 15 million
per year, in 2007, that
number had almost
RDW 2.0
doubled
Digitisation happening at
breakneck speed
The RDW is becoming a more and more high-tech, digital organisation. Digitisation has
been the word for years in registering vehicle data, issuing number plates and linking
vehicle information to personal details, but since recently, the RDW databases and related
services can also be accessed on the Internet. APK inspection dates and other vehicle data
can be communicated more rapidly and effectively via this electronic gateway. Using
different portals and new digital services, the RDW makes it easier to maintain contact
with vehicle owners and other stakeholders. In 2007, the RDW extended its digital arsenal
with a number of new services.
TEXT Toine van der Heijden Illustrations Karin Schwandt
Bicycle theft
There are no fewer than eighteen million bicycles in the
Netherlands. More then a million new models are added to
this number every year, while an equal share ends up on the
scrap heap. Out of the eighteen million bicycles, between
700,000 and 1.1 million are stolen each year, standing at
around 5%. Around 20% (160,000 thefts in 2007) are
reported to the police and about 80% get forgotten about.
Ten thousand stolen bicycles are eventually returned to their
rightful owners; the remaining 99% remain lost.
An illegal variant of recycling? Politicians and the public think
differently about this. Combating bicycle theft is a priority
of the government. In 2010, the number of stolen bicycles
must be reduced by 100,000, while a previous Cabinet even
strived for halving the number of thefts. A new weapon in the
battle is the bicycle theft database set up five years ago and
maintained by the RDW. That database contains the frame
numbers or the chip data of all the stolen bicycles reported to
the police. During the course of 2007, virtually all police forces
were connected to this database, enabling investigators to
check more quickly whether a bicycle is reported as stolen.
With effect from 2008, individual buyers of second-hand
bicycles can also simply check whether the particular bicycle
was stolen or not, thanks to the internet portal.
It is obviously important that victims of bicycle theft
report it and that buyers of second-hand bicycles check
whether the bicycle is being sold legitimately. To get the
message across, a public campaign will be launched in 2008.
If this campaign is successful and more victims report the
thefts, it will be more difficult for thieves to sell their loot
and more stolen bicycles will be returned to their rightful
owners. The RDW manages the database and also updates
the special fietsdiefstalregister.nl portal.
together inspect 6.8 million vehicles a year. Webdirect will
be developed on a portal with more digital services for these
authorised agents. The number of direct inspection reports
will be increased, exemption permits will be made available
and authorised agents can request their own registered
commercial fleet.
Vehicle information
APK inspection centres approved by the RDW can use
an online inspection report system as from 2007: APK
Webdirect. It primarily concerns an emergency service to be
used in the case of a disruption affecting specialised service
providers that offer electronic inspection reports as part of a
wider range of services to authorised agents. More than 90%
of all the changes in 2007 were processed via these service
providers; APK Webdirect accounted for the remaining 10%.
Passenger cars, delivery vans and even caravans are all
included in the RDW database containing vehicle information.
This data was already made partly accessible online in
2003 via a portal where the visitor only has to fill in the
registration number to obtain access to basic information.
Four years ago, only the APK inspection date was shown but
now the information also includes the make, colour, type
of fuel, cylinder capacity, the initial date of registration and
ascription. In 2007, The BPM tax amount, and environmental
information such as economy label and information on
insurance and fuel consumption information were added.
The Webdirect service can also be used for reporting newlyfitted LPG conversions, tachographs or speed limiters. There
are more than 9,000 garages authorised by the RDW, which
The Online Vehicle Information (OVI) service was set up
in the context of reducing the administrative burden. Selfservice via the Internet makes public information directly
Inspections
55
DigiTISatioN
Exceptional transport
Every year, at the time of the HISWA boat
and water recreation fair, you see impressive
movement on the access routes to Amsterdam.
Participants in this fair then transport their
marine vessels by road to the RAI exhibition
centre. This means extra work for the exceptional
transport department of the RDW because
the routes have to be planned in detail and
exemption permits are required.
The application forms can be obtained from the
RDW website. A distinction is made between
incidental and long-term exemption permits.
An applicant for a one-off permit usually has a
response within two days. The permit includes
directions that are created automatically based
on all of the data concerning the load capacity of
viaducts, the width of roads and clearance height
of bridges, all of which is stored by the RDW in
a separate system. Maximum transport lengths
(for example to get round roundabouts) are also
included in the system.
A test was conducted in 2007 with online
exemption permit applications. This was
continued in 2008 in collaboration with 250
Dutch transport companies. This approach
accessible to the public. In 2008, online services for vehicle owners
accessing information using their DigiD identification will be added.
Over the years, the number of visits to the OVI service has increased
considerably. In 2005, the number of visitors was 15 million per
year; in 2007, the number almost doubled. An analysis of the
number of visitors shows that the numbers using the Internet
portal further increased every time information was added. When
environmental information was added in October 2007, visitor
numbers increased by 20%, with an estimated number for 2008 of
no fewer than 36 million.
speeds up the processing, with applicants
receiving their exemption permit quicker.
In 2007, 5,200 long-term permits were issued
and more than 18,000 incidental permits. Half
of these one-off permits were applied for via the
Internet.
Replacement
registration certificate
Since 2007, if someone loses their registration
certificate, they can request new papers online,
in addition to obtaining them from inspection
centres and larger Post Offices. In addition to
new registration certificates, a copy of the APK
inspection report is also available. This service
will cost the applicant EUR 29.50. However, the
RDW recommends visitors to this site to have a
good look first because many applications are
withdrawn after a couple of days because people
eventually find the lost papers.
Since the introduction of this service, internet
applications have increased to 57% of the
total. Annually, the RDW receives an average
of 180,000 requests for new registration
certificates. Based on this figure, the digital
service should be utilised 8,500 times per month.
impressive
Every year at the time of
the HISWA fair there are
yet again
scenes on the access roads
to Amsterdam
57
Everything
The back
APK inspection report
you ever wanted to
know about the APK
inspection report
In 2007, almost seven million vehicles received an APK inspection.
Every vehicle owner subsequently receives an inspection report
filled with technical jargon and test objects. What do all these
difficult terms mean? And what exactly do the inspectors really
do? Well, we’re happy to tell you.
TEXT Lucas Boot
Wheels
As part of the APK inspection, wheels and tyres are thoroughly
checked on no fewer than five points: depth of the tyre profile
(minimum of 1.6 millimetres), damage to the tyre and the rim
(e.g. misshapen), state of the wheel bearings, tyre pressure and
the state of the wheel nuts.
Exhaust fumes
Gas emissions are subject to strict environmental requirements.
Depending on the type of fuel, the inspectors consider different
aspects. With diesel engines, carbon emissions are assessed
and, with cars running on petrol or LPG, a CO2 measurement and
the so-called four-gas test are carried out. The test consists of
two parts. First, CO2 emissions are monitored with the car
stationary and the engine idling, then at 3,000 rpm. The inspector
then looks at the relationship between these two measurements.
This provides the so-called Lambda value.
Steering
Inspectors check how much play there is in the steering
mechanism and also whether all the nuts and bolts are securely
fastened. The steering wheel itself may not show any cracks or
tears.
Registration
Checking the registration certificate may seem like a small thing,
but is actually really important. The data contained on the
registration certificate must correspond with the data held by
the RDW. Inspectors then check a number of other issues, such
as special notices. For example, if a car has been adapted for use
by a disabled driver, this information has to appear on the
registration certificate.
Safety belts
Safety belts are first fully extended to check for any potential
damage. The inspectors then check whether the inertia reel system functions properly and whether the fasteners lock properly.
Safety belts in cars were made compulsory on 1st January 1971.
Older models therefore are not required to have them.
of the inspection report contains a list of complicated technical jargon,
one being more obscure than the other. Do you know, for instance,
what a turntable is? Ten of the most unusual terms explained.
Brakes
As far as the brakes are concerned, it is essential that wheels on
the same axle have the same braking power. The test also shows
whether or not the rear wheels brake much harder than the front
wheels. Obviously, the brakes and handbrake are individually
subjected to quality control.
Body
The body is checked for damage from rust, tears and cracks and
protruding objects. The latter could be, for example, wing nuts
and tyres extending too far from the wheel arches. There is no
need to fear a test failure in the case of rust. It depends on the
part of the vehicle affected. Rust on the doors, for instance, is not
as much of an issue as rust on the bonnet locking system.
Seats
Seats must be attached to the body properly and the shifting
system must lock automatically when the seat is shifted. The
frame of the backrest may not be broken or damaged. A tear in
the upholstery is not a problem, as long as there are no sharp
objects protruding.
Battery
The battery obviously has to be properly secured and is not
allowed to leak a single drop of fluid. The wiring is also checked.
Windscreen wipers and washer
The wiper blades are not allowed to be damaged or torn, they
may not leave marks on the windscreen and must have a
sufficient wiping range. The windscreen washer must obviously
also work.
Mirrors
A wing mirror is compulsory on the left-hand side of the vehicle,
but not on the right-hand side, unless there is no inside rear-view
mirror. They must also not be broken or worn down.
Driving shafts and engine supports
All the required bolts must be present and securely fastened.
Inspectors also check for too much play and look at the dust
covers of the driving shafts. These are not allowed to be torn or
punctured.
Wheel suspension
Two points are checked in the wheel suspension. First, the state
of the suspension, with special attention on rust damage.
Secondly, the degree of play in the wheel suspension.
Exhaust
The inspection includes a check on whether the exhaust has
leaks and whether it is still properly fitted to the vehicle.
Locks
This involves the doors, the bonnet and the boot, which are
naturally required to lock properly. The hinges are also checked
for rust.
Clutch
The clutch must not have too much slippage.
Front windscreen
During the APK, only visibility from the inside out is checked. No
objects are allowed to be fixed to windscreens that may reduce
visibility and the front windscreen may not be damaged. Please
note: the police do check visibility from the outside in. Vehicle
windscreens must allow at least 50% light through.
Steering
swivel pi
n: The whe
a vertical ax
els of lorrie
le or pin fit
s turn left or
ted behind
right around
was used in
the wheel.
passenger
Earlier, this
cars too.
constructio
n
Turntabl
e: With tra
ile
rs
, the tow ba
to the traile
r must be ab
r. A turntabl
le to turn in
e is used to
attached to
relation
achieve this.
each other
It consists of
with bearin
bearings.
two rings
gs in the m
iddle, compa
rable to ba
ll
Multiple
layer safe
ty valve
pressurised
: Lorries an
brakes. In or
d heavy tra
der to prev
ilers use
causing the
ent a leak in
brakes to fa
the air-pres
il, at least tw
safety valve
sure system
o separate
separates th
‘layers’ are
e layers fro
fitted. This
one layer ca
m each othe
n lose its pr
r
an
d
essure.
ensures that
only
Retro-ref
lectors:
Retro means
‘backwards
‘backwards
-reflecting’
’. In other w
objects refle
the driver.
ords,
ct the light
This makes
from headlig
it
possible, fo
ahead on th
hts back to
r
in
stance, to se
e road whe
e something
n it is dark.
the rear of
Red retro-r
parked
vehicles.
eflectors ar
e compulso
ry on
Drawbar
coupling
:
A special co
for attachin
upling is fix
g trailers. To
ed to the ba
simplify the
a ‘jaw’, linki
ck of a lorr
process, it
ng the eye
y
has the form
of the draw
drawbar co
of a clevis or
bar of the tra
upling, thus
iler with the
connecting
pin in the
the trailer an
d the lorry.
Chassis fram
e: Lorries an
d heavy tra
frames, usua
ilers are mou
lly consistin
nted on chas
g of two pa
beams, muc
rallel beam
sis
h like a ladd
s with vario
er
.
Th
us crosson and fixed
e axles and
th
to the chassis
e engine ar
e
frame.
also mount
ed
Pressuris
ed brake
power re
and heavy
gulators
trailers wor
: The brakes
k on pressu
brakes com
of lorries
rised air. As
e under mor
the weight
e
pr
increases,
essure. If a
brakes too
the
dr
hard, there
iver with an
is
empty traile
the risk of th
making the
r
e rear whe
vehicle unco
el
s
going into
ntrollable.
regulator en
a skid,
The pressu
sures that th
rised brake
e rear whe
power
els use the
right brakin
g power.
Sound sig
nals syst
em: This is
a vehicle th
th
e collective
at produces
na
me for ever
a sound, su
signal and
ything on
ch as the ho
anti-theft pr
rn, the reve
otection.
rse warning
Rear tra
verse: Th
e drawbar
lorry. The co
coupling co
upling is m
nnects the
ounted on th
trailer and
also known
e rear cros
the
as the rear
sbar of the
traverse.
chassis fram
e,
Track width
: The distanc
e between
the right-han
the middle
d tyre on on
of the left-ha
e axle is kn
distance af
nd and
own as the
fects a car’s
track or tra
steering be
ck width. Th
haviour.
is
www.rdw.n
l
59
10
NUMBER PLATE QUIZ
7
11
2
4
5
8
12
3
6
9
1
You have now read 59 pages of the annual report which means – at least, we suspect as much – that you have a particular interest and are now well versed in
the world of the RDW. Would you be willing to let us test your knowledge about
number plates? The answers to the quiz can be found at the bottom.
TEXT & IMAGE Bart Bartholomeus, nummerplaat.com
1 In addition to ‘normal’ diplomatic
2 France is divided into different depart-
number plates displaying the letters
CD and four digits, we now also have the
CD-J combination, with the J standing for
the Peace Palace in The Hague. In the past,
there used to be other versions too, such
as CD-B, CD-F, CD-N and CD-T. What did
these additional letters stand for?
A At the time, the letters identified the cars
of the relevant country's embassy: CD-B =
Belgium, F= France, N=Norway, etc.
B The letters historically identified the
organisation that used the cars for senior
officials. For instance, CD-N was used for
NATO vehicles, and CD-T for an organisation
set up to look after the interests of tea
plantations.
C The letters were briefly used during the
transition from blue to yellow number plates
to avoid duplicate CD registration numbers.
ments. On all number plates, the last
two digits refer to a department (in this
example, 78). Meanwhile, a lot of combinations have been ‘exhausted’ and these
‘regionally coded’ number plates are being
abandoned. Which department is identified
by the number 78?
A Paris
B Yvelines
C Pas de Calais
3
In the Canadian Northwest Territories
province people use the number plate
pictured above. How or why did this
come about?
A These are souvenir plates sold to tourists for
additional income to support Canada’s most
famous inhabitants, polar bears.
B These are valid number plates that can be
4 We regularly see special number
6 Which country first introduced vehicle
registration?
A USA
B Germany
C The Netherlands
7 Registration of the old number plate series, with a different letter denoting each
province, used to be done by:
A The RDW, which was also why the RDW was
established.
B The Dutch motorist association ANWB
C The provincial authorities
plates being issued on the occasion of
the Olympic Summer or Winter Games.
This was for the games held in Salt Lake
City, USA, in 2002. How long are motorists
allowed to display these number plates?
A For as long as tax is paid on this number
plate.
B From the opening to the closing ceremony
of the Olympic Games.
C From a few months before until the closing
ceremony.
8 In which year was the national number
5 What is the meaning of the small digits
9 In all US federal states, you are only re-
you regularly see above the first hyphen?
A The extra little digit above the hyphen
shows how many cars are registered in
the owner’s name and is intended to ease
the work of people hunting down vehicle
criminals.
B The extra digit indicates how many times
the registration number has been reissued,
e.g. in the case of number plate theft or loss
of the registration certificate.
C The digit indicates whether it concerns
the front or the rear number plate: 1 being
for the front, 2 for the rear.
quired to carry a number plate on the back
of the vehicle; on the front, one often sees
‘fun plates’ carrying a name, for instance.
A Correct.
B Incorrect; in most federal states, a number
plate at the back and the front of the vehicle
is compulsory. Only in a number of states
will an official number plate at the back of a
vehicle suffice.
C Incorrect; in all federal states, vehicles are
required to carry an official number plate at
both the front and the back.
plate series introduced, with six positions
as it is currently?
A 1945
B 1951
C 1961
10
In the current number plate series,
the letter A is reserved for the Royal
Household with its AA number plates.
A Yes, but foreign military staff based in Limburg used the letters AF, for Allied Forces, for a
number of years.
B Yes, AA is reserved for the Royal Household;
this series started with AB-BB-01.
C No, the letter A appears in this series simply
to make more combinations possible.
11
In Aruba, all vehicles receive a new
number plate every year. On the left-hand
side there is a loose disc showing the year
and number plate information. The letter
(A) indicates the type of vehicle. What is
the purpose of that loose mini-plate on the
left?
A The mini plate is the official number plate,
with which you can then have the large plate
produced and fix the whole thing to the car.
B For the first six months of the year, you
drive around without the mini plate; halfway
through the year, you pay the second instalment of the road tax, of which the mini plate
serves as proof.
C The mini plate is kept with the vehicle
documents.
If you lose a number plate, you can use this to
have a new plate made.
12
The green number plate is making
its entrance: only the most economical
and environmentally friendly cars will be
ANSWERS: 1B, 2B, 3C, 4A, 5B, 6C, 7C, 8B, 9B, 10A, 11B, 12A, 13C, 14B.
KNOW your
NUMBER PLATE
obtained at an extra cost; the additional income is donated to a foundation looking after
the interests of polar bears in Canada.
C The government once set up a competition
among school children with the instruction to
‘design a new number plate for our province’.
A 12-year-old boy entered the polar bear
design and, since that time, it has continued
to exist.
13
issued with a green number plate to make
them easily identifiable and to benefit
from special schemes (such as parking in
city centres, tax breaks, etc.).
A Incorrect; these plates have been used by
car dealers and garages for many years now
to allow cars that have not yet been registered to use the roads, for example, for a test
drive.
B Correct; but at the moment it is still in a
test phase; this system will be introduced on
1st January 2010.
C Incorrect; the green number plates are reserved for temporary use if the original plates
have been stolen, for instance.
13
The registration number is painted
manually on this number plate. It is often
the case that the poorer a country is, the
more basic the number plates are. Which
country do these plates come from?
A China
B Saudi Arabia
C Nepal
14
What materials are used in manufacturing number plates?
A Iron
B Aluminium
C Plastic
61
GOVERNANCE
services
The public position
of the RDW requires
high-quality
and meticulous public
accountability
RDW
The RDW is an independent governing body financed by
charges which, pursuant to the Road Traffic Act, carries out
statutory duties at the instruction of the Minister of Transport
and Water Management. Below we present an overview of the
authorisations of the different parties.
Minister of Transport and Water Management
> has overall ministerial responsibility for the RDW.
> supervises the functioning of the RDW.
> is kept informed by the Supervisory Board and the
Management Board of the RDW.
> approves the budget, among other things, and the rates
charged.
> appoints the members of the Supervisory Board.
> approves the remuneration of the Management Board.
Supervisory Board
> consists of five members.
> is accountable to the Minister for their own performance.
> supervises the work of the Management Board and
provides advice where required.
> approves the budget, the annual report and financial
statements, the staff’s legal position regulations,
remuneration of the Management Board and
investments.
> has an Audit Committee and a Remunerations
Committee.
> appoints the members of the Management Board.
Management Board of the RDW
> consists of two members.
> is charged with the day-to-day leadership of the RDW.
> is responsible for implementing the assigned tasks.
> monitors proper compliance with mandate rules,
information rules and regulations, the rules for financial
management and applicable laws and regulations.
> is supported in this by a management team.
> is accountable to the Supervisory Board for the
pursued policies.
> provides information to the Minister considered
necessary for performing his or her tasks.
Other
stakeholders
PUBLIC
ACCOUNTIBILITY
To ensure proper execution of its public duties, the RDW maintains
structured contact with a range of other ministries and government
authorities, different sectors in the vehicle industry, insurance companies
and individual sector pressure groups.
The public position of the RDW requires high-quality services
and meticulous public accounting. To achieve this, the RDW
participates in the so-called charter group (‘Handvestgroep’) and
the government benchmark group (‘Rijksbrede Benchmarkgroep’).
Consumer consultation with the vehicle industry
Consumer consultation with the vehicle industry promotes cooperation
between the vehicle industry and the RDW’s way of working. Topics in
the field of RDW charges, the RDW strategy and the RDW’s annual
agenda are discussed in addition to topics covering technical vehicle
aspects and regulations. Participants include representatives of the
RDW and organisations from the vehicle industry and the Ministry of
Transport and Water Management.
Charter group for public accountability
This group consists of 12 implementation organisations.
In addition to ministerial accountability, the group also
focuses on public accountability for the quality of the
services provided. This groups acts on the principles of
quality, price/performance, transparency, and acting and
participating responsively. It is also responsible for the
implementation of the Good Governance Code for
implementation organisations.
See also www.publiekverantwoorden.nl.
Sector support group (BBG)
The sector support group regularly meets to discuss vehicle
documents and registration and agrees specific issues, new
services and plans by and with the RDW. Participants include
representatives of the RDW and a range of sector organisations.
Stichting Overlegorgaan APK
(APK inspection consultative group - SOAPK)
This organisation, in the form of a foundation, advises the Minister
of Transport and Water Management about issues concerning
APK inspections. Participants include all parties involved in APK
inspections.
To coordinate policy and other developments, the RDW and its main
client, the Ministry of Transport and Water Management, have structured
consultations in a number of meetings:
Government benchmark group
This group consists of 28 implementation organisations that
regularly make comparisons as far as governance is concerned.
The aim of the affiliated organisations is to learn from one
another to thus improve their governance.
See also www.rbb-groep.nl.
Manifest group
The RDW has been a member of the manifest group since
2005. A total of 11 major implementation organisations
take part in this group. The members of the manifest
group combine their efforts to improve electronic services to
the public and the corporate sector.
Implementation management group (MOI)
The MOI monitors the progress of the implementation of regulations
and directives.
Vehicle policy coordination group (CBV)
The CBV concentrates on preparing policies and the implementation
of Dutch and international regulations in the technical domain.
Documentation and information coordination
group (CDI)
The CDI concentrates on policy preparations and the implementation
of Dutch and international rules concerning vehicle documentation
and information about their owners. With respect to driving licences,
the Ministry and the RDW additionally meet with other partners
in the driving licence chain, in the driving licence and certificate
coordination group (CORC).
63
FINANCIAL RESULTS & OUTLOOK
In deciding the long-term financial policy plan, it was agreed with the
Ministry of Transport and Water Management to reduce the allocated
reserve of EUR 11.7 million for APK/import inspections. This will
happen during the period from 2009 to 2011 by reducing RDW
charges. Since shortfalls in the different clusters were cleared in 2007,
the relevant reserve can also be released.
Investments
Investments in tangible fixed assets in 2007 came to EUR 5.9 million.
EUR 4.8 million was invested in replacing the mainframe and the
accompanying back-up system and workstations, as well as the acquisition
of servers and discs. EUR 1.1 million was also invested in equipment for the
inspection centres and for mailing activities.
In 2007, EUR 8.1 million was invested in intangible fixed assets: EUR 6.5
million in the acquisition of the new mainframe and the rest in, among
other things, the upgrade of SAP and the acquisition of other software.
Hardly any investments were made in software developed by the RDW.
With effect from October 2006, the allocated reserve for driving
licences is again being restored over five years during which time more
than the average number of driving licences will be issued. This reserve
will be applied in its entirety in the years thereafter to compensate for
the expected drop in the number of driving licences issued. Based on
the actual figures, an addition of EUR 1.8 million was made in 2007.
The economic cycle reserve for issuing part IA of registration certificates
was increased by EUR 0.9 million.
The statutory reserve for intangible fixed assets decreased by
EUR 1.2 million to EUR 1.9 million because, on balance, more was
amortised than invested.
Treasury
Since 2003, the RDW has been taking part in so-called treasury
banking, with the Ministry of Finance skimming off the daily balances
on the bank accounts of the RDW. The RDW receives interest on the
positive balance.
Liquidity again improved substantially by EUR 8.8 million to EUR
39.2 million. This is due to the good result and write-downs exceeding
investments. To maximise interest income, short-term deposits have
been agreed with the Ministry of Finance.
Finally, in line with the long-term financial policy plan for 2008, EUR
11.2 million was reserved for implementing policy initiatives. This is for
financing the costs for reviewing vehicle regulations (‘Voertuigreglement’)
at an estimated cost of EUR 1.9 million. In addition, part of the costs for
registering agricultural and forestry vehicles (EUR 2.6 million) will be
financed from this, as will the start-up costs for the 'paying differently for
mobility' project (EUR 6.7 million).
Core financial figures
Financial results
There was an operating shortfall of EUR 0.3 million for 2007. With a
positive result of EUR 6.9 million, the net result was substantially better
than budgeted. The main reason for this positive result is that the Dutch
economy recovered much more than expected. This had not been
anticipated during the preparation of the 2007 long-term Financial
policy plan (‘Financieel Meerjaren Beleidsplan’ - FMB).
Operating income in 2007 increased by EUR 4.4 million to EUR
185.2 million. Turnover increased in almost all of the different clusters.
In the category certification, number plate investigations, information
supply, driving licence issuing and admission of exceptional transport
clusters, turnover increased by 10% or more. This was caused by
shorter production times, increase in vehicle imports, a growing need
for information, more and more expensive driving licences (the new
credit card format) and the success of national exemption permits
for exceptional transport. Despite the 10% growth in the structural
volume, turnover from issuing registration certificates on balance
dropped by 11% due to the incidental turnover from the registration of
scooters and mopeds in 2006.
Operating expenses increased in 2007 by EUR 14.3 million to EUR
179.3 million. The increase in turnover was achieved through a small
increase in permanent staffing, increasing on average by 8 FTEs to
1,384 FTEs. Staff costs in 2007 increased by 6.1%, partly as a result of
an increase in the CAO by 3.6% and an increase in the provision for
redundancy pay and package (1.9%).
The cost of commercial fees paid to Post Offices dropped by 9%,
despite the increase in the number of registration documents issued.
This is the result of incidental costs in 2006 and the increase in the
number of online issues via garages.
At the beginning of 2008, the RDW was informed of the intention
to close down Post Offices in the long term. The RDW has started
identifying alternative possibilities for issuing certificates.
The other operating charges increased by 24% in 2007 due to more
driving licences being issued and the change from paper to more
expensive credit card format documents (+ EUR 5.5 million), higher
project costs (+ EUR 1.3 million), higher external hiring costs and more
temporary staff for normal tasks in connection with unfilled vacancies
and for projects (+ EUR 5.5 million).
Finally, financial income and expenses increased by EUR 1.1 million
due to higher interest rates and the solid liquidity position of the RDW.
Shareholders’ equity and reserves
With a net result of EUR 6.9 million, shareholders’ equity increased
in 2007 to EUR 56.4 million. The result was added to designated
reserves. The structural reserve amounted to 18% of the balance sheet
total.
In 2003, a credit capacity of EUR 35.0 million was agreed with the
Ministry of Finance. This credit agreement also provides for a fixed
3.43% loan of EUR 12.0 million (payable on 2nd August 2010). The
Ministry of Transport issued a guarantee for meeting the interest and
payment obligations arising from this agreement.
2007
Budget
2006
%
Profit and loss account
182.6
169.3
170.8
2.6
1.7
9.9
179.3
170.8
164.9
Result from ordinary operations
5.9
0.2
15.8
Financial income and expenses
1.0
0.5-
0.1-
Net result
6.9
0.3
15.7
20.2
14.3
19.8
Economic cycle reserve
9.1
8.5
8.2
Allocated reserve for driving licences
2.3
2.5
0.4
Allocated reserve for APK/Import inspections
11.7
11.7
11.7
-
-
3.6
11.2
-
2.6
1.9
3.9
3.2
56.4
40.9
49.5
Turnover
Grant for new driving licences (‘Subsidie Nieuw Rijbewijs Document’)
Costs
7%
9%
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Structural reserve
Allocated reserve for under-performing clusters
Policy initiatives reserve
Statutory reserve for intangible assets
Total shareholders’ equity
12%
65
FINANCIAL RESULTS & OUTLOOK
Financial prospects
Developments in turnover and charges
A drop in turnover of EUR 6.4 million to EUR 176 million has been
budgeted for in 2008, with an average drop in charges of 2.2%. Income
from issuing driving licences is expected to drop by about 6% because
of lower charges. Income from issuing registration certificates will
decrease slightly by some 1% due to volume impact. Turnover from
number plate investigations (including import inspections) will drop
substantially in 2008 by approximately 16% following an average drop
in charges of 11%. It is also suspected that the high number of imports
in 2007 had a temporary nature and will return to normal again in
2008. Other income from grants is expected to decline from EUR
4.8 million to EUR 1.8 million. Turnover from category certification,
periodic inspections, exemptions and other clusters will decrease by
some 2%.
Developments in costs
to invest
A small increase in staffing levels is foreseen for 2008. A 2% growth is
budgeted for in ICT for increasing their tasks and guaranteeing system
knowledge. At R&I, an increase of some 2% is expected due to more
tasks in connection with driving licences and information supply.
VT expects a 4% increase in connection with under-staffing in 2007 due
to the strong increase in import inspections and category certifications.
Staffing levels in internal departments are expected to decrease by 1%.
Staff costs will probably increase in 2008 by an estimated 1.3%, mainly
due to less project hiring, an increase in the CAO wages by 2.7% and the
planned increase in the number of staff.
For 2008, the RDW
expects
around
EUR 13 million in fixed assets
and EUR 2 million
in intangible assets
The volume of the project portfolio in 2008 will remain the same as in
2007. Account has been taken of a significant effort to support the policy
initiative to pay differently for mobility.
Investments and financing
Operating results and reserve
Because the reserves are sufficient, thus allowing an average reduction in
charges of 2.2%, an operating shortfall of EUR 2.2 million is budgeted
for in 2008. At 18% of the balance sheet total, the structural reserve
is likely to remain under the maximum of 20%. The driving licence
reserve will again increase in 2008 due to the high number of driving
licences being issued. The economic cycle reserve for issuing part IA
of registration certificates will remain at the maximum of EUR 9.1
million.
The policy initiatives reserve will decrease in 2008 to approximately
EUR 5.2 million due to projects surrounding changing vehicle
regulations, paying differently for mobility and perhaps registration of
agricultural vehicles being implemented.
2007 Financial
Statement
& Auditor’s report
RDW
In 2008, the RDW expects to invest around EUR 13 million in fixed
assets and EUR 2 million in intangible assets. The fixed assets
include major maintenance work to the test track in Lelystad, ICTrelated investments such as server and workstation replacements and
the introduction of new accommodation concepts to use the available
space more efficiently.
The major investments are expected to exceed depreciation in 2008.
In line with the budgeted operating loss, therefore, liquidity in 2008 is
expected to drop by around EUR 10 million to approximately
EUR 30 million.
67
2007 RDW annual report
BALANCE as at 31 DECEMBER 2007
All amounts are stated in EUR x 1,000
2007 financial statements
BALANCE AS AT
BALANCE AS AT
31 Dec. 2007
31 Dec. 2006
All amounts are stated in EUR x 1,000
Achieved
Budgeted
Achieved
2007
2007
2006
182,596
169,300
170,788
2,606
1,659
9,911
ASSETS
Operating income
FIXED ASSETS
Intangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets
9,749
8,589
42,947
44,638
Stocks
Receivables
Prepayments and accrued income
Cash at bank and in hand
Subsidy for new driving licence
1,180
1,213
12,202
15,197
Operating expenses
6,499
4,522
Wages and salaries
39,223
30,413
Pension charges
51,345
59,104
Social security costs
Depreciation and amortisation
104,572
111,800
Total assets
170,959
185,202
53,227
52,696
CURRENT ASSETS
Turnover
Transaction fees
Other operating costs
180,699
62,784
64,368
58,277
6,882
7,394
6,694
4,916
5,843
5,290
12,689
13,473
15,462
15,771
14,975
17,373
76,275
64,753
61,835
LIABILITIES
179,317
170,806
164,931
5,885
153
15,768
Reserves
20,205
19,840
Contingency reserve
9,100
8,212
Appropriation reserve for driving licences
2,323
408
Structural reserve
Result from ordinary
activities
0
3,625
Appropriation reserve for APK/import inspections
11,684
11,684
Financial income
Policy initiatives reserve*
11,200
2,600
and expenses
1,466
15
352
1,904
3,115
Interest income
(419)
(500)
(412)
Appropriation reserve for ineffective clusters
Statutory reserve for intangible fixed assets
Interest charges
Provisions
Long-term debt
56,416
49,484
9,756
10,128
12,000
12,000
Net result
1,047
(485)
(60)
6,932
(332)
15,708
Current liabilities
Accounts payable
11,438
11,715
Other liabilities
15,160
12,799
Accruals and deferred income
Total liabilities
8,446
7,030
33,628
32,960
111,800
104,572
* Ascription reserve adjusted for comparative purposes.
69
2007 Cash flow statement
All amounts stated in EUR x 1,000
Principles for valuation and result determination
General
2007
2006
Cash flow from operating
activities
5,885
15,768
12,689
15,462
Interest income/(expenses)
1,047
(60)
Movement in provisions
(372)
(1,653)
1,051
(5,612)
668
10,856
Result ordinary activities
Movement in working capital:
- (increase)/decrease in current assets
Work in progress on inventories is valued based on the number
of current projects as at the balance sheet date and the average
percentage of completed products. As at the balance sheet date, 50%
of the result is recognised.
The Financial statements of the RDW are prepared in accordance
with the stipulations of Part 9 Book 2 of the Netherlands Civil
Code (BW). In addition, the joint declaration at the occasion of the
privatisation of the Road Traffic Department (‘Gemeenschappelijke
verklaring ter gelegenheid van de Verzelfstandiging van de Dienst
voor het Wegverkeer’ - Vademecum) included agreements with
the Ministry of Transport concerning the composition and amount
of equity, with equity classified in consultation with the Ministry of
Transport.
Receivables
Accounting principles
excluding cash at bank and in hand
- increase/(decrease) in debts excluding
On 1st July 1996 the amendment to the Road Traffic Act, regulating
the privatisation of the Road Traffic Department, took effect. With
effect from that date, the RDW is a self-governing organisation
(ZBO) and the service is known by the shortened name of RDW.
Equity is determined in accordance with historical issuing prices.
All the assets and liabilities are stated at face value, unless otherwise
specified.
amounts owed to credit institutions
20,968
34,761
Cash flow from investing
activities
Investments
Disposals
Movement in cash at bank and in hand
Balance as at 1 January
Balance as at 31 December
(13,958)
(8,191)
1,800
375
(12,158)
(7,816)
8,810
26,945
30,413
3,468
39,223
30,413
To the extent that an economic benefit is recognised, software
developed in-house is valued at historical cost, less amortisation or at
the lower commercial value. Amortisation is calculated according to
the straight-line method based on the useful life. The residual value is
carried at zero.
Acquired software is valued at acquisition price, less amortisation or
at the lower going-concern value. Amortisation is calculated using
the straight-line method and based on the estimated useful life.
Unless stated otherwise, the residual value is carried at zero.
Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets are valued at acquisition price, less depreciation
or at the lower going-concern value. Depreciation is calculated using
the straight-line method based on the estimated useful life. Account
is taken of the residual value. Unless stated otherwise, the residual
value is carried at zero.
STOCKS
Office and other stocks are carried at historical cost.
Work in progress
Receivables are carried at face value, less a provision for bad debts.
Provisions
Provisions are recognised for identified obligations and losses.
The same applies to risks concerning future obligations and losses,
provided that a reasonable estimate can be made and that the origin
must be in the current financial year.
In accordance with accounting principle RJ 271, provisions are
recognised at the present value of expected obligations, applying an
interest rate of 3%.
Foreign currency
Income and expenses or receivables and payables arising from
transactions in foreign currency are translated at the applicable rate
on the transaction or balance sheet date respectively. Exchange gains
and losses are added or charged to the profit and loss account.
Result determination
Income and expenses are recognised in the profit and loss account in
the year to which they refer. Turnover includes income from goods
and services delivered during the year, less turnover tax. The RDW is
not liable for corporation tax.
Pensions and other long-term employee benefits
The pension fund to which the RDW is affiliated does not require
valuation in accordance with RJ 271 because it is not possible to
reliably and consistently specify the plan assets and the pension
commitments to participants, former participants and inactive
members of the different employees belonging to the fund. In
the event of any shortfalls, the RDW has no obligation to make
additional contributions except for future increases in contributions.
Consequently, the RDW classifies its defined benefit plan as a defined
contribution plan. Contributions to the defined benefit plan are
therefore recognised as a defined contribution plan and are charged
to the profit and loss account in the period to which they relate.
Work in progress in connection with intangible fixed assets is valued
at direct cost, including a mark-up for general overhead costs, with
a maximum of the expected economic benefits and less project costs
still to be incurred.
71
Notes to the Financial statements
GENERAL
The amounts quoted in the notes
are in EUR x 1,000 unless
otherwise specified.
Intangible
fixed assets
developed in-house
Intangible
fixed assets
purchased
Buildings
and land
Total
Plant
and machinery
Other fixed
operating
assets
Fixed operating
assets
in production
Total
Fixed assets
tangible fixed assets
Balance as at 1 January 2007
Balance as at 1 January 2007
At cost
10,464
17,318
27,782
At cumulative amortisation
(7,349)
(11,844)
(19,193)
3,115
5,474
8,589
BOOK VALUE
At cost
Cumulative depreciation
BOOK VALUE
Investments
20
8,045
8,065
Investments
Impairment
(170)
-
(170)
Assets becoming operational
Disposals
(7,082)
(11,850)
(18,932)
Amortisation
(1,061)
(4,021)
(5,082)
7,082
10,197
17,279
Write-off of divestments
(1,211)
2,371
1,160
Total change
3,402
13,513
16,915
At cost
(1,498)
(5,668)
(7,166)
Cumulative depreciation
1,904
7,845
9,749
Total changes
At cumulative amortisation
BOOK VALUE
Intangible fixed assets concern the costs of software developed
in-house and of acquired software with long-term user licences.
Intangible fixed assets developed in-house
The cost of software developed in-house is amortised from the
moment it is first used over a period of a maximum of five years. The
investment concerns capitalised work in progress or the remains of
the CROS project to improve system connections for planning the
route of exceptional transport. Impairment concerns the capitalised
project costs for Digi-BFAB (digitisation of number plate requests
for individual inspections of company cars and trailers (the so-called
BFAB certificates)).
The disposals concern three projects of which the capitalisation
deadline expired. It involves the capitalised project costs for vehicle
ascriptions, trailers and the conversion of scooters and mopeds.
The Digi-BFAB project was also divested.
34,458
-
93,652
(22,525)
-
(49,014)
30,427
2,278
11,933
-
44,638
671
418
4,804
-
5,893
-
-
-
-
-
Disposals
Depreciation
(12)
(218)
(456)
-
(686)
(2,705)
(520)
(4,212)
-
(7,437)
5
159
375
-
539
(2,041)
(161)
511
-
(1,691)
52,876
7,177
38,806
-
98,859
(24,490)
(5,060)
(26,362)
-
(55,912)
28,386
2,117
12,444
-
42,947
Balance as at 31 December 2007
Balance as at 31 December 2007
At cost
6,977
(4,699)
Changes in the BOOK VALUE
Changes in the BOOK VALUE
Amortisation of disposals
52,217
(21,790)
BOOK VALUE
Intangible fixed assets purchased
Land and buildings
Generally, purchased software is amortised over three years.
In line with the expected useful life, software for the mainframe
is amortised over four years. The EUR 8 million investment
represents the bulk of the purchase of the system software for a new
mainframe, which is also suited as WINTEL platform. In addition,
the SAP upgrade to MySAP 2005 was completed. The divestment
concerns the old mainframe. The premature amortisation of the old
mainframe followed a favourable replacement offer from Unisys.
Buildings are carried at purchase price less depreciation at
3.33% per annum and a residual value of 20%. Renovations and
improvements to the buildings are valued at purchase price less 10%
depreciation per annum. Land is not depreciated.
The foundation of the test track of the test centre in Lelystad (TCL)
is depreciated at 3.33% per annum and the surface at 10% per
annum. Total investments of EUR 0.7 million relate to replacing
garage doors at inspection centres and small improvements at
various sites.
Plant and machinery
The plant and machinery category consists mainly of equipment for
performing inspections and processing documents. These are stated
at purchase price less 10% to 20% depreciation per annum.
The investment of EUR 0.4 million mainly concerns noise and
carbon measuring instruments for the inspection centres.
Furthermore, the conversion machine and the mail-sorting unit
were replaced. The divestments concern equipment for the
inspection centres and a large printer at R&I, which was written off.
Other fixed operating assets
The other fixed operating assets comprise data processing computer
equipment, network facilities, fixtures and fittings and means of
transport, which are carried at acquisition cost less depreciation
varying between 10% and 33.3% per annum.
The EUR 4.8 million investment was for the new back-up unit
(Dorado) for the mainframe (EUR 1.8 million), increasing the
number of servers (EUR 0.8 million) and replacing workstations,
disks and servers.
73
Current assets
Stocks
Balance as at
31 Dec. 07
Balance as at
31 Dec. 06
Stocks can be specified as follows:
Office equipment
Work in progress
Receivables
465
715
451
762
1,180
1,213
Balance as at
31 Dec. 07
Balance as at
31 Dec. 06
The receivables can be specified as follows:
Postkantoren BV
RDC Datacentrum BV
Municipal councils
Other receivables
Deferred assets
1,593
3,323
1,821
5,465
1,907
3,543
5,006
4,741
12,202
15,197
Balance as at
31 Dec. 07
Balance as at
31 Dec. 06
2,729
387
619
1,775
989
909
35
271
590
2,118
599
6,499
4,522
Balance as at
31 Dec. 07
Balance as at
31 Dec. 06
Deferred assets can be specified as follows:
Services/products still to be invoiced
Staff advances (private PC scheme)
Postkantoren custody funds
Prepaid rentals
Prepaid computer costs
Other prepaid costs
Cash at bank and in hand
Office equipment consists of blank registration certificates
and printed matter. Work in progress consists of the category
certification engagements and conducted tests being processed.
These are valued on the basis of the number of current
engagements as at balance sheet and the average percentage of
finished products.
The receivable from Postkantoren BV comprise money
receivable from issuing registration and other documents
netted with commission payable. The receivable from RDC
Datacentrum BV concerns money receivable for the use of
the RDW databases, vehicle ascriptions and APK inspection
reports. The receivable from municipal councils concerns
receivables from the issuing of driving licences.
The balance is for licences issued in December. The balance
as of year end 2006 concerned driving licences issued in the
final quarter. Compared to 2006, the provision for bad debts
decreased following stricter implementation of the collections
policy and a more efficient receivables policy. The receivables all
have a term of less than one year.
Services/projects still to be invoiced primarily consist of interest
income due from the deposits with the Ministry of Finance
(EUR 0.5 million) and a payment receivable from the Public
Prosecution Service traffic enforcement department (‘Bureau
Verkeershandhaving Openbaar Ministerie’) in connection with
the term over the year (EUR 0.2 million) and tax receivables
(EUR 0.4 million).
The increase in advances to staff arises from the loan facility the
RDW offered staff to buy computers. The Postkantoren custody
funds were settled in 2007 because an umbrella agreement for
postage has been agreed with other ministerial parties.
Rentals paid in advance concern the Rozenburglaan and
Europaweg premises. The prepaid computer costs concern user
licences acquired for a period of four years and therefore partially
expire every year.
Deferred assets have a term of less than one year, except the staff
advances and user licences.
Cash at bank and in hand can be specified as follows:
Cash
Finance current account / Banks
Deposits
176
9,047
30,000
175
10,238
20,000
39,223
30,413
Cash at bank and in hand as at 31st December 2007
increased by EUR 8.8 million compared to the year before.
Contra bookings were reclassified in 2006 from Banks to
Cash.
A number of short-term deposits were agreed with the
Ministry of Finance for a total of EUR 30 million at interest
rates varying between 4.26 and 4.77%.
Reserves
Balance as at
1 Jan. 2006
Operating
result
2006
Increase/
(decrease)
Release
Balance as at
31 Dec. 06
Movements in these items during
the 2006 financial year were as follows:
Structural reserve
Contingency reserve
Appropriation reserve for under-performing clusters
Appropriation reserve for APK / import inspections
Retained earnings for 2006
15,933
6,831
717
4,280
6,015
-
15,708
3,907
1,381
(309)
(655)
11,684
2,600
(2,900)
(15,708)
19,840
8,212
408
3,625
11,684
2,600
3,115
-
33,776
15,708
-
49,484
Balance as at
1 Jan. 2007
Operating
result
2006
Increase/
(decrease)
Release
Balance as at
31 Dec. 07
Movements in these items during
the 2007 financial year were as follows:
Structural reserve
Economic cycle reserve
Appropriation reserve for under-performing clusters
Appropriation reserve for APK / import inspections
Retained earnings for 2007
19,840
8,212
408
3,625
11,684
2,600
3,115
-
6,932
365
888
1,915
8,600
(1,211)
(6,932)
49,484
6,932
3,625
Structural reserve
The structural reserve of the equity of the RDW is intended for covering
operating setbacks that fall under the ‘normal’ operating risks of the
RDW. The Vademecum limits the structural reserve to a maximum of
20% of the current balance sheet total. The rounded balance sheet total as
at 31st December 2007 amounted to EUR 111.8 million.
The maximum structural reserve allowed is EUR 22.4 million, but it
totalled EUR 20.2 million (18.1% of the balance sheet total).
contingency reserve
The contingency reserve is intended for covering economic fluctuations
in income from issuing part IA of the registration certificate.
In the context of the 2007 long-term financial policy plan, a new
calculation method was agreed with the Ministry of Transport, which
will also produce better forecasts. Because of the good economic situation
in the past year, additions have been made again to the reserve for
(3,625)
(3,625)
20,205
9,100
2,323
11,684
11,200
1,904
56,416
the expected leaner years ahead, leading to an addition of
EUR 1.6 million being calculated. As this would exceed the agreed
maximum of EUR 9.1 million, the addition was limited to
EUR 0.9 million.
appropriation reserve for driving licences
Driving licences are reissued every ten years. The new cycle was
started again in 2006 with the introduction of the new credit card
format driving licence. 1st October 2006 saw the start of the first
year, with substantially more driving licences being issued in the first
five years than in the subsequent five years. In order to agree a charge
for a longer period, it was decided to form an appropriation reserve
for over-performance in the first five years. This reserve will then
again be reduced in the second five years to cover under-performance
of the cluster. An addition of EUR 1.9 million was calculated for
2007, which brings the reserve to EUR 2.3 million.
75
APPROPRIATION reserve for under-performing clusters
It has been agreed with the Ministry of Transport that all clusters will be
fully cost-covering in 2007. This has now been achieved, as a result of
which the EUR 3.6 million reserve will be released.
In 2007 it was decided that the planned registration of agricultural
vehicles would not go ahead for the time being. Another study into this
issue is running again, thus increasing the chances of registration again. In
view of the volatile nature and the implementation of the policy initiatives
reserve, it was agreed in consultation with the Ministry of Transport that
the allocation of this reserve (EUR 2.6 million) would be extended to a
policy initiatives reserve.
In the coming years the RDW will be asked to cooperate in a number
of areas in new policy initiatives, such as different forms of 'paying for
mobility', registration of agricultural vehicles and revision of the vehicle
regulations. In 2007, the RDW paved the way for the mobility project
and financed these costs itself. To enable future financing of such new
policy initiatives, this reserve was set up when the 2008-2012 long-term
financial policy plan was agreed. This reserve is used to finance activities in
the domain of the RDW that have been agreed in consultation with the
Ministry of Transport.
The composition can be specified as follows: EUR 6.7 million for the
mobility project, EUR 2.6 million for registering agricultural vehicles and
EUR 1.9 million for revising vehicle regulations.
APPROPRIATION reserve for APK / import inspections
A different APK inspection frequency has now been agreed. In
addition, the European Court of Justice has ruled on administrative
import inspections. It has been agreed with the Ministry of Transport
to wind down the reserve for the expected drop in volume and the
corresponding drop in capacity and turnover via the RDW charges
during the period from 2009 to 2011.
When research and development costs are capitalised, a statutory
reserve for the capitalised amount has to be formed under
shareholders’ equity. As the carrying amount of this intangible asset
decreases, the statutory reserve is released again.
Balance as at
1 Jan. 2007
Provisions
Addition/
release
Withdrawal
Balance as at
31 Dec. 2007
Movements in these items during the 2007 financial year were as follows:
of the social plan, to the extent that it concerns obligations, are
included in this provision. The addition (EUR 0.89 million) relates
to the new redundancy social plan commitments as at the end of
2007 that was taken to the provision. There was also a release
(EUR 0.08 million) due to expired obligations. In addition,
a withdrawal was made for the paid out obligations.
Long-term debt
Balance as at
31 Dec. 2007
LONG SERVICE PROVISION
This provision was formed for commitments arising in the context of
future long service awards to staff.
Balance as at
31 Dec. 2006
Long-term debt can be specified as follows:
Long-term loans
Current liabilities
Other LIABILITIES
12,000
12,000
12,000
12,000
Balance as at
31 Dec. 2007
It concerns a long-term fixed loan with the Ministry of
Finance of EUR 12 million at 3.43% interest, due on
2nd August 2010.
Balance as at
31 Dec. 2006
This item can be specified as follows:
Retention pay provision
Social plan provision
Long service provision
3,941
2,182
4,005
(47)
808
350
(607)
(725)
(151)
3,287
2,265
4,204
10,128
1,111
(1,483)
9,756
Costs payable
Payable travel costs
Payable pension premiums
Payable taxes and social security contributions
Payable staff costs
Funds received on behalf of third parties
Approximately EUR 8.1 (2006: EUR 8.1) million of the provision is long-term.
5,541
264
922
2,862
4,275
1,296
4,050
236
882
2,561
4,115
955
15,160
12,799
EUR 4.8 million of the balance sheet item ‘costs payable
at year end 2007’ comprises late invoices and interest
payable. The costs payable at year end 2007 were settled
in 2008.
The RDW is affiliated to the ABP industry pension fund.
The covering ratio and principles of the ABP are illustrated in the table below:
accruals and deferred income
Covering ratio
Algemeen Burgerlijk Pensioenfonds
RDW does not expect that the above cover ratio will have implications
in the short term for the pensions.
RETENTION PAY PROVISION
The RDW bears the risk by virtue of the redundancy scheme. The
addition (EUR 0.17 million) concerns additional redundancy
commitments existing at year end 2007 and added to the provision,
140.30%
Principle
Current market rate
Latest figures
2007
assuming the maximum variant. Moreover, there was a release
(EUR 0.22 million) in connection with the ending of obligations.
A withdrawal was also made to pay out redundancy commitments.
Balance as at
31 Dec. 2007
Balance as at
31 Dec. 2006
accruals and deferred income can be specified as follows:
Advances received
from current account holders
Ground rent commitments
Prepayments
3,724
778
2,528
3,473
795
4,178
7,030
8,446
Current account holders pay in advance for services to
be delivered by the RDW. The leasehold obligation is the
cash value of the future ground rent payments.
The interest rate is 4% and the remaining term 28 years.
The prepaid amounts have dropped substantially through
depletion of the Ministry of Transport NRD grant.
SOCIAL PLAN PROVISION
The RDW strives for greater efficiency, which has consequences for
the organisation. The staffing consequences arising from this in terms
77
Off-balance sheet assets
and commitments
Below is a breakdown of the off-balance sheet
commitments and assets with a material impact.
Shorter
than one year
Longer
than one year
Total as at
31 Dec. 2007
As of 31st December 2007, the RDW
has commitments related to a number of activities:
Building rentals
Telecommunications, computer hardware
and software and maintenance
Other liabilities
2,600
7,228
9,828
3,635
14,358
1,297
3,390
4,932
17,748
20,593
11,915
32,508
The rental commitments (longer than one
year) for buildings have a term of five years.
Those for telecommunications and other
liabilities are 4.5 and five years respectively.
OTHER
A range of claims were made against the RDW, which the RDW
disputes. Although the outcome of these disputes cannot be
predicted with certainty, the Management Board expects no
substantial impact on the financial position as a consequence.
As of 31st December 2007, the RDW had the following assets:
The RDW has an agreement with the Ministry of Finance for
the short-term financing (treasury banking) of a current account
facility of EUR 23 million at day-to-day interest rates.
Operating income
2007
budgeted
2007
2006
TURNOVER
Category certification
VT recognition scheme
R&I recognition scheme
Information supply
Driving licence issues
Document issues
Other clusters
Other income
Sub-total turnover
NRD grant
14,315
27,410
6,967
13,606
3,792
5,890
21,278
82,739
4,364
2,235
12,670
26,857
7,075
11,000
4,074
5,080
17,651
76,859
3,955
4,079
12,373
26,758
6,554
11,315
3,681
5,265
7,483
92,693
3,707
959
182,596
169,300
170,788
2,606
1,659
9,911
185,202
170,959
180,699
Category certification
Driving licence issuing
Turnover of the category certification cluster increased by 16% to
EUR 1.9 million compared to 2006, following an average price
increase of 2% and an increase of 13% in the number of inspections.
This increase is mainly the result of the annual update of trailers. In
addition, inspections and registration of company cars and passenger
cars increased as a result of shorter production times, thus releasing
capacity. TCL achieved 11% growth in turnover, especially from
renting out the test track for exclusive weekends in the first quarter.
Turnover exceeded the 2007 budget by EUR 1.7 million.
Due to issuing of new driving licences and the start of a new 10-year
cycle on 1st October 2006, turnover from issuing driving licences
increased by 184% (EUR 13.8 million). This involves both fast-track
application and CBR/departmental driving licences.
With the introduction of the new credit card format driving
licence with state-of-the-art security, the price for driving licences
was increased. Income was EUR 3.7 million higher than the 2007
budget.
VT and R&I licensing
Turnover of the cluster responsible for authorising VT and R&I
agents increased by 3% (EUR 1.1 million) compared to 2006. On
average, the charges did not increase in 2007. The total number
of licences issued to VT agents in 2007 dropped by 7% and those
issued to R&I increased by 7%. In the vehicle chain, licences issued
to APK agents decreased and requests for licences increased with
respect to commercial fleets and ascription. The number of APK
agents deregistering increased by 2%. Turnover is EUR 0.5 million
more than the 2007 budget.
Turnover from issuing documents dropped by 11% (EUR
10 million) compared to 2006. This is primarily due to incidental
income from the scooter and moped registration project in 2006.
Leaving turnover from this project aside, turnover was EUR
2.4 million higher than in 2006. With the exception of part IB of the
registration certificate (-12%), charges remained unchanged in 2007.
The increase is also due to an increase in volume, especially for part
IA, of more than 11% and, for part IB, of 7%.
Compared to the 2007 budget, turnover was EUR 5.8 million
higher.
Other clusters
Turnover from number plate investigations increased by
EUR 2.3 million (20%) compared to 2006, entirely as a result of an
increase in volume. Import inspections recovered strongly in relation
to 2006: the new ‘drive-in inspection’ service meant an increase in
the number of inspections. Apart from that, moped inspections have
also increased hugely, leading to additional turnover. Compared to
the budget, an increase of EUR 2.6 million was achieved in 2007.
The growth in turnover by 18% (EUR 0.7 million) compared
to 2006 came entirely from the exemptions cluster (exceptional
transport on the Dutch road network). The charge for exemption
permits remained the same as in 2006. With the complete
implementation of CROS at the end of 2006, exemption licensing
was fully centralised, which led to a further increase in the issuing of
documents and turnover.
Other income
Turnover from periodic inspections increased by 3% (EUR
0.1 million) compared to 2006. Charges increased on average by
2% compared to 2006. The increase mainly concerned heavy, long
vehicles. Compared to the 2007 budget, turnover dropped by
EUR 0.3 million.
This turnover from projects on behalf of third parties, contributions
for EUCARIS, divestments and sickness benefits received increased
by EUR 0.8 million. In addition, there was incidental income of
EUR 0.5 million in relation to a VAT refund on the catering costs.
This income is EUR 1.9 million lower than budgeted because
project income in particular is difficult to budget for because of the
incidental nature.
Information
Turnover from information supply increased by 12% (EUR
0.6 million) compared to 2006.
The charges remained unchanged compared to 2006. The demand
for information from public organisations and market parties
continues to increase; incidentally, information exchanged between
public organisations is free of charge. Information supply was higher
than anticipated in virtually all fields.
This applies to both oral and written information.
Additional requests for driving licence verification that had not been
budgeted for also contributed to the growth in turnover.
Income from information supply exceeds the 2007 budget by
EUR 0.9 million.
Document issuing
Grant for new driving licence
The Ministry of Transport and Water Management decided to
finance the initial investments in the new driving licence from public
funds and not to have the RDW provide the initial funding. The
grant designated for the new driving licence is EUR 24 million and
will be paid out from 2006 to 2008.
EUR 18.3 million had already been paid out by year end 2007.
79
Operating expenses
2007
budgeted
2007
2006
2007
Staff costs
61,673
1,111
63,368
1,000
58,214
63
Total wages and salaries
62,784
64,368
58,277
6,882
4,916
7,394
5,843
6,694
5,290
74,582
77,605
70,261
Average number of
employees (FTEs):
Registration & Information
Vehicle Technology
ICT Company
Management and internal departments
2007
budgeted
2007
2006
299
691
211
183
319
690
222
189
291
688
209
188
1,384
1,420
1,376
Staff costs increased by EUR 4.3 million
in 2007 due to the new COA agreement
and a slightly higher average staffing level
(8 FTEs) and the increased addition
to the provisions. Wages and salaries
increased by the equivalent of 36 FTEs less
than budgeted because of more efficient
working, but also because the labour
market for ICT staff in particular, and
people with a higher education, was slow in
the north and vacancies remained unfilled.
Moreover, bigger changes in the provisions,
pension costs and social security charges
were expected.
The RDW bears the risk for redundancy
claims from staff by virtue of employee
insurance schemes.
Other operating expenses
2007
budgeted
2007
2006
5,255
2,627
598
4,209
4,814
2,811
893
4,955
6,696
2,688
1,057
5,021
12,689
13,473
15,462
2007
budgeted
2007
2006
Commission
Commission
2006
76,275
64,753
61,835
76,275
64,753
61,835
2007
General Manager
Taxable salary (36 hours)
Pension contributions
Career break savings scheme
WOPT remuneration* (see below)
Tax-free allowance
Other employer expenses
Total remuneration of General Manager
Director of Operations
Taxable salary (36 hours)
Pension contributions
Career break savings scheme
15,771
14,975
17,373
15,771
14,975
17,373
Depreciation and amortisation costs
decreased by EUR 2.8 million in 2007.
The decrease mainly involved intangible
fixed assets (software projects) and other
fixed operating assets (depreciation of
computer equipment), the latter because of
incidental investments for the new driving
licence project in 2006.
2006
Remuneration of directors
and members of the Supervisory Board
WOPT remuneration
Land and buildings
Plant and machinery
Other fixed operating assets
2007
Other operating expenses
Wages and salaries
Changes in the provisions
Pension costs
Social security charges
budgeted
Tax-free allowance
Other employer expenses
Total remuneration of Director of Operations
Supervisory Board
Chair
Total for other four members
149
36
1
144
35
1
186
180
2
1
2
1
189
183
140
33
7
135
33
1
180
169
7
3
1
3
190
173
19
56
19
56
Other operating expenses in connection
with staffing increased due to higher
temporary worker charges (+EUR
2.6 million); hiring of regular staff (+ EUR
2.6 million), hiring for projects (+ EUR
0.9 million) and other staff costs (+EUR
0.7 million). Otherwise, costs increased for
official documents (+ EUR
5.6 million), out-of-pocket expenses
(+ EUR 1.3 million), hiring of advisory
and management firms (+ EUR
1.1 million) and for maintenance (+ EUR
1.1 million). The higher temporary staff
costs are the result of having to temporarily
fill vacancies. External and project staff
hiring is the result of the high number of
vacancies and an increase in the need for
operating and project capacity, including
the mobility project involving different
ways of paying. In addition, advisory and
management consultancy fees increased
because of additional advisory
engagements. The increase in other staff
costs mainly relates to internal moves, staff
leaving and training courses. This was as a
result of organisational developments in
the ICT field.
The increase in the cost of official
documents is the result of a new and more
expensive driving licence format and the
start of a 10-year cycle, with higher
turnover during the beginning than during
the final years of the cycle. The out-ofpocket expenses increased mainly through
additional expenses for the new driving
licence and the mobility projects.
The higher maintenance costs were
incurred for the earlier replacement of the
mainframe and additional maintenance of
software and licences.
* Disclosure of top income earners in the public sector act
Trade commission costs from Post Offices
dropped by EUR 1.6 million in 2007
compared to 2006, which was due to the
incidental issuing of scooter number plates
in 2006, leading to additional turnover
in that year. However, there was a further
increase in ascriptions in 2007.
Compared to the budget, there was
an increase of EUR 0.8 million from
additional turnover generated by
document issuing.
Notes to table and remuneration policy
The table below includes the amounts charged to the
RDW during the financial year for the remuneration of the
directors and the Supervisory Board. Pension contributions
refer to the employer and employee portion to be paid
by the. ‘Other employer expenses refer to the employer
contributions to health insurance and unemployment
(WW) and occupational disability (WAO) insurance. The
summaries show comparisons with the average taxable
annual salaries pursuant to the disclosure of top earnings
financed from public funds act *(‘Wet openbaarmaking
uit publieke middelen gefinancierde topinkomens’ WOPT). In 2007, the salaries of both directors dropped
in respect of the disclosure rules pursuant to the WOPT.
The fixed remuneration component of the members of the
Management Board and the Supervisory Board is approved
by the Minister of Transport. The variable remuneration
component for the members of the Management Board is
agreed annually by the Supervisory Board with reference
to a proposal by the Remuneration Committee. This is
done with account being taken of the measurable and
controllable targets agreed in the management contract
between the Supervisory Board and the Management
Board, and job performance during the year in question.
The Supervisory Board considers the total remuneration
for the directors for 2007 as justifiable in view of the results
achieved in that year. The RDW staff regulations also apply
to the directors. The Minister of Transport determines
the remuneration for the Chair and the members of the
Supervisory Board. This remuneration is related to the
scale of the organisation and the average time worked.
For the year under review, remuneration for the Chair was
EUR 18,500 and EUR 14,000 for the other members.
The Management Board
J.G. Hakkenberg
H. van Santen
The Supervisory Board
(Ms.) T. Netelenbos (Chair)
P.P.J.J.M. van Besouw
(Ms.) Dr. P.C. Plooij-van Gorsel
P.W. de Kam
C.A. Vrins
81
Performance indicators
Other information
To assess our services and improve them where necessary, the RDW uses
performance indicators, which we use to check whether matters have
indeed improved. The performance indicators are contained in
the management agreements made by the directors every year
To the Management Board of the RDW
2007
Auditor’s report
We have audited the accompanying 2007 financial statements of
the RDW in Zoetermeer as enclosed in this report and consisting of
the balance sheet as at 31st December 2007 and the profit and loss
account for the year then ended and the notes.
Opinion
Management’s responsibility
Report on other legal and regulatory requirements
of regulating authorities
The management of the RDW is responsible for the preparation and
fair presentation of the financial statements and for the preparation of
the management board report, both in accordance with Part 9 Book
2 of the Netherlands Civil Code (BW). This responsibility includes:
designing, implementing and maintaining internal control relevant to
the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements that are
from material mis-statement, whether due to fraud or error, selecting
and applying appropriate accounting policies, and making accounting
estimates that are reasonable under the circumstances.
Auditor’s responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements
based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with Dutch
law. This law requires that we comply with the ethical requirements
and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance that
the financial statements are free from material mis-statement. An audit
involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the
amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The procedures
selected depend on the auditor’s judgement, including the assessment
of the risks of material mis-statement in the financial statements,
whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the
auditor considers internal control relevant to the RDW’s preparation
and fair presentation of the financial statements in order to design audit
procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the
purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the RDW’s
internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness
of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting
estimates made by the management, as well as evaluating the overall
presentation of the financial statements.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and
appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements give a true and fair view of the
financial position of the RDW as at 31st December 2007 and of the result
for the year then ended in accordance with Part 9 Book 2 BW.
Pursuant to the legal requirement under section 2:393(5)(e) BW, we
report, to the extent of our competence, that the management board
report is consistent with the financial statements as required by section
2:391(4) BW.
We also report that the legal requirement to disclose top income (section
6 of the relevant act, ‘Wet openbaarmaking uit publieke middelen
gefinancierde topinkomens’) has been complied with.
The Hague, 25th April 2008
KPMG ACCOUNTANTS N.V.
W.A. Touw RA
Rules for appropriating
the operating result
The joint declaration issued at the time of the privatisation of the Road
Traffic Department (‘Gemeenschappelijke verklaring ter gelegenheid
van de Verzelfstandiging van de Dienst voor het Wegverkeer’) includes
an appendix containing specific agreements pertaining to financial and
personnel affairs. These agreements stipulate that the operating result of
the RDW will at all times be added or charged to RDW shareholders’
equity. Agreements are also included relating to the composition and
maximum amount of the RDW’s permanent equity.
In accordance with the above, it is proposed to add the operating result
for 2007 to the reserves. This proposal was incorporated in the balance
sheet as at 31st December 2007 and disclosed in the notes to the
reserves.
2006
Norm
Performance indicator
Development of RDW charges
- Average charge development
- Charge for Part IA
- Charge for Part IB
- APK inspection report charge
- Charges for category certification
-2.5%
=
-12.2%
=
+2%
+0.9%
=
=
-2%
+3%
+/- 5%
+/- 5%
+/- 5%
+/- 5%
+/- 5%
Category certification**
- international category certification
- Dutch category certification
- test reports
- conformity of production (COP)
20,247
10,422
4,957
343
18,406
8,678
3,505
267
*
*
*
354 in 2007
12,374
125,104
14,970
9,639
7,678
26,257
11,071
106,432
16,691
10,634
7,133
8,718
*
*
*
*
*
*
5 working days
99% < 48 hours
10 working days
< 48 hours (IAK)
< 72 hours (Redline)
491
2,846
909
*
*
*
1,771
10,714
12,301
1,690
10.661
11,662
*
*
*
147,285
2.4 days
105,421
2.2 days
*
< 2 days
9,491
20,909
9,396
20,381
*
*
9,339
367
824
20,558
582
9,245
390
830
20,011
585
*
*
*
*
*
Individual inspections**
- motorcycles
- light motor vehicles
- heavy motor vehicles
- light trailers and semi-trailers
- heavy trailers and semi-trailers
- mopeds
Other indicators
- average waiting time for inspection appointment
7 working days
- time from inspection to issuing documents
99% < 48 hours
95% < 72 hours
Customisation inspections
- buses, taxis, invalid carriers
419
- long and heavy vehicles
2,781
- refrigerated trucks
1,269
Periodic inspections by the RDW
- APK inspections (light and heavy vehicles)
- buses
- VLG vehicles
Exceptional transport permits **
- exemption permits issued
- time for issuing permits < 100 tonnes
Authorised agents
- APK, LPG, speed limiter, TA and combinations
- Commercial fleet, commercial number plates
and number plate manufacturers
Agents
- APK**
- LPG**
- speed limiter/TA**
- commercial fleet/commercial number plates scheme
- disassembly
with the divisional and departmental heads. These indicators are also
used in the supervisory capacity of the Ministry of Transport and Water
Management. This information is not subject to an audit. Below is a
summary of the performance indicators and the results of the RDW.
83
2007
2006
Norm
2007
- export
- vehicle ascription
- number plates
- fast-track procedures
Supervision of authorised agents
(administrative)
Inspection visits
- APK**
1,978
3,163
351
308
1,824
2,671
346
266
4,861
- LPG**
276
310
- speed limiter/TA**
672
647
16,427
18,431
341
340
1,121
928
5,735
4,516
551
296
281
91
- disassembly
- export
- vehicle ascription
- number plates
- fast-track procedures
Supervision of technical implementation
APK 1 (heavy vehicles)**
- inspection reports
- random test rate
- random tests
APK 2 (light vehicles)**
- random test rate
- random tests
LPG**
- random test rate
- random tests
speed limiters/TA**
- random test rate
- random tests
Failure rate APK-1 (heavy vehicles)
Failure rate APK-2 (light vehicles)
Norm
5,374
- commercial fleet/commercial number plates scheme
2006
*
*
*
*
1 x every 2 years
(= 4,668 per year)
1 x every year
(= 363 per year)
1 x every year
(= 821 per year)
1 x every 2 years
(= 10,099 per year)
1 x every 2 years
(= 295 per year)
1 x every 2 years
(= 925 per year)
2 x every year
(= 5,532 per year)
1 x every year
(= 347 per year)
1 x every year
(= 272 per year)
266,459
1.9%
5,079
254,564
2.6%
6,621
*
3%
*
6,974,179
3.0%
206,455
6,809,993
3.1%
209,469
*
3%
*
17,067
4.6%
784
19,536
4.7%
918
*
5%
*
84,623
3.0%
2,530
82,906
4.5%
3,688
*
5%
*
12.0%
7.6%
12.5%
7.2%
*
*
Sanctions
Sanctions following inspection visits
- against authorised agents for APK inspections,
LPG, speed limiters/TA
l warning
l technical suspension
l conditional suspension
l temporary suspension
l final suspension
- against authorised agents for commercial fleets,
commercial number plates, disassembly, export,
number plates, ascription
l warning with stricter supervision
l suspension
l conditional suspension
l temporary suspension
l final suspension
Sanctions following random tests
- against inspectors because of suspected
unlawful approval/failure of APK inspection
243
100
144
153
56
256
36
174
149
24
*
*
*
*
*
1,626
1,365
35
257
424
2,228
1,261
40
323
470
*
*
*
*
*
563
608
*
110
64
*
*
73
46
*
*
222
26
*
*
1,135
28
*
*
13
*
222,900,000
195,700,000
20,500,000
28,500,000
8,800,000
3,200,000
43,100,000
149,700,000
134,300,000
27,500,000
23,000,000
11,400,000
4,500,000
35,200,000
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
116,400,000
406,300,000
105,000,000
280,600,000
*
*
Objections and appeals
Objections and appeals against suspensions
APK inspection, LPG, speed limiters/TA agents
112
- decisions on objections
57
- appeals and interim settlements
Objections and appeals concerning sanctions against inspectors
88
41
Objections and appeals in connection with commercial fleet
185
26
Other objections and appeals
1,769
64
Objections and appeals against suspected unlawful
approval/failure of APK inspections
20
- number of founded appeals
Electronic information supply
from the databases
Number of requests per client category
- police and justice department
- vehicle industry
- Ministry of Finance
- members of the public (vehicle information via the Internet)
- insurance companies
- clients via BKR
- other (including CBS, CBR and IVW)
Manner of information supply
- online
- batch
85
2007
OTHERINFORMATION
2006
Norm
Other indicators
- availability rates for requests
and changes concerning ‘core registers’
Information provided by telephone
by client services
Number of calls dealt with
- general (the public)
- traders’ line
- current account
- police line
Average waiting time per call
- client services
- police line
99.5%
99.9%
97.5%
In-control statement
Management is responsible for the set-up and functioning of internal
risk management and control systems designed for the RDW. These
systems are designed to manage significant risks and to ensure that
operating and financial targets are achieved.
Setting up and monitoring the effective implementation of the internal
control measures to guarantee the reliability of the BKR and CRB
systems is the responsibility of the RDW. Our responsibility is to form
an opinion on this.
In 2004, the public accountability charter group (‘Handvestgroep
Publiek Verantwoording’) created the good governance code. To be
properly accountable, the management board systematically analysed,
evaluated and monitored the internal risk control and management
systems of the RDW during the year under review. The management
board confirmed the effective functioning of the internal risk control
and management system. The design, functioning and significant
improvements made were all discussed with the Audit Committee and
the Supervisory Board.
Activities
789,086
119,480
32,864
13,227
792,171
118,230
33,715
14,182
*
*
*
*
0:00:47
0:00:29
0:00:59
0:00:20
< 1 minute
< 1 minute
Written information supply
- correspondence (number of letters received)
- average time to respond to letters
44,088
50%
21,198
85%
*
95% < 9 days
Information supplied by email
- open questions
- average time to respond
82,584
1.0 day
67,151
2.0 days
*
< 3 days
11,003,907
9,350,248
*
In the management’s opinion, the risk management and control systems
are properly set up and worked effectively.
875,000
189,000
13,000
792,000
173,000
17,000
*
*
*
Report concerning
the BKR and CRB system
Internet use
- visits to www.rdw.nl
Document issuing
Registration certificate part IA
- fast-track and individual
- replacement documents
- special documents
Registration certificate part IB
- Post Offices
- RDW
- authorised agents
Driving licences
Moped certificates
Registration documents for speedboats
Other indicators
- time required for individual documents
- time required for fast-track documents
- time required for issuing driving licences
Complaints and ombudsman cases
- number of complaints
- time required to process complaints
l within RDW target leadtime
l within statutory leadtime
- number of cases referred to the ombudsman
Personnel policy
- Absenteeism
- Appraisal interviews
2,324,495
162,347
946,020
1,902,000
283
16,000
2,268,000
125,000
802,000
1,150,000
74,000
16,000
*
*
*
*
*
*
0.9 day
24 hours
6.0 days
0.9 day
24 hours
6.9 days
< 2 working days
< 24 hours
100% < 9 working days
1,310
885
*
74%
89%
39
81%
93%
32
< 4 weeks
< 6 weeks
*
4.5%
79%
4.7%
82%
5%
85%
*There is no norm for this aspect. The RDW depends on the supply during the year under review, which depends on external factors.
** This process is ISO certified.
However, the internal risk management and control systems of the
RDW cannot provide absolute assurance that business targets will
be achieved, nor can these systems totally prevent all material misstatements, loss and fraud.
Engagement
At the request of the RDW management board, we reviewed the system
of internal control measures for guaranteeing the reliability of the basic
registration database (‘Basis Kenteken Register’ - BKR) and the national
driving licence and scooter certificates register (‘Centrale Rijbewijzen en
Bromfietscertificaten Register’ - CRB) systems.
Reliability in this case is deemed to mean: the reasonable assurance that
data processing continues uninterrupted (availability); that access to and
the supply of BKR and CRB data is reserved for and provided to duly
authorised people (exclusiveness); and that the data provided is correctly
and fully processed, stored and made available (integrity).
Our review was aimed at obtaining a reasonable degree of assurance that
the set-up of the system of control measures complies with reliability
standards and that these control measures were implemented effectively
during the reviewed period. The reliability standards applied in the
review can be obtained from the RDW (+31 598 39 33 30 / EUR 0.10
per min).
We performed our review in accordance with the detailed
regulations for assurance engagements other than engagements
to audit or assess historical financial information 3000 (NV COS
3000) issued by the Dutch accountants’ association NIVRA.
Among other things, these rules require that we perform our work
in such a way that the opinion is substantiated with a reasonable
degree of assurance. In the context of this engagement, we reviewed
the internal control measures contained within the IT organisation
and the user organisation of the RDW in and around the BKR and
CRB systems. Examples of control measures in the IT organisation
include logical access security and change management. Examples
of control measures in the user organisation include segregation of
duties and user controls.
The review was not focused on the accuracy and completeness of
the data in the vehicle and driver registration databases. The control
measures in connection with the confidentiality, integrity and
availability of the systems/services and the use by external parties
were not included in the scope of the review.
2007 BKR audit opinion
Based on our audit, we believe that the set-up of the internal control
measures to guarantee the reliability of the BKR system complied with
the applicable standards in 2007. We also believe that the measures were
effectively implemented during 2007.
2007 CRB audit opinion
Based on our audit, we believe that the set-up of the internal control
measures to guarantee the reliability of the CRB system complied with
the applicable standards in 2007. We also believe that the measures were
effectively implemented during 2007.
Den Haag, 25th April 2008
KPMG IT Advisory
R.A. Jonker RE RA
87
OFFICIALS
Officials’ addresses
SUPERVISORY BOARD
The RDW has a Supervisory Board which supervises
the work of and advises the Management Board. The
composition of the Supervisory Board in 2007 was as follows:
Ms. T. Netelenbos,
Chair
‘Politics/management’ portfolio
Appointed from 1st July 2004 to 30th June 2008
(1st term of office)
- Chair of the quality group for higher education information
- Chair of the Team Alert advisory council (road safety)
- Member of the Electronic Highway Platform advisory council
of the Netherlands (EPN)
- Member of the Policy Research scientific council
- Member of the Teleac programme council
- Member of the advisory council of the MS-centrum VUmc
- Chair of the Annie M.G. Schmidt House Foundation
- Chair of the seamen labour market taskforce
P.P.J.J.M. van Besouw,
Deputy Chair
‘Finances’ portfolio
- General Manager of SMALLTAILS.COM
- External Audit Committee member of the Ministry of
Education, Culture and Sciences
- Member of the Supervisory Board of Royal Haskoning
- Chair of the Supervisory Board of Medisch Centrum
Haaglanden
- Chair of the SPW investments advisory committee
- Chair of the Pater Eusebius Kemp Stichting
- Board member of Stichting Cordeans
Ms. Dr. P.C. Plooij-Van Gorsel, Secretary
‘Consumer/sector’ portfolio
- Member of the advisory council for international affairs
(‘Adviesraad Internationale Vraagstukken’ - AIV),
government advisory group for foreign policy, defence,
human rights and development cooperation
- Chair of the specialist council (‘Raad van Deskundigen’)
for national standards, an independent government and
parliamentary advisory group on metrological infrastructure
in the Netherlands
- Member of the central statistics committee (‘Centrale
Commissie Statistiek’ - CCS), supervisory body of Statistics
Netherlands (CBS)
- Ambassador of the Dutch Chamber of Commerce in
China (Guangzhou)
- Senior Counsel at Blueprint Partners, Public Affairs firm
in Brussels
- Supervisory Director of Ontwikkelingsmaatschappij Flevoland
(OMFL)
- Board member of INK, Dutch institute for quality assurance
- Member of the Electronic Highway Platform advisory council
of the Netherlands (EPN)
P.W. de Kam, member
‘ICT’ portfolio
(2nd term of office)
- Advisor to the Expertise Centrum, organisation providing
information advice to the government
- Member of the Supervisory Board of the Stichting
Gezondheidscentra Zoetermeer
- Member of the Audit Committee of the Ministry of
Education, Culture and Sciences
- Treasurer of the Board of Stichting Quality
Assurance Netherlands Universities
- Secretary/Treasurer of the Tax and Customs museum
C.A. Vrins, member
‘Staff’ portfolio
(2nd term of office)
In view of the good governance code for implementing
organisations, the Supervisory Board set up two commissions
from its members, composed of:
Audit Committee: Van Besouw (Chair) and De Kam (member)
Remunerations Committee: Vrins (Chair) and Ms. Netelenbos
(member)
Ms. J.C. ten Brug is responsible for the secretarial duties.
MANAGEMENT BOARD
J.G. Hakkenberg
General Manager
- Member of the advisory council of ORMIT
- Chair of Stichting De Arkduif
- Chair of government benchmark group
- Chair of the Manifest group
- External Audit Committee membership
for the Ministry of VROM
- External board member Stichting ICTU
H. van Santen
Operational Director
- External membership of knowledge centre council
(‘Kenniscentrumraad’)
- External membership Stuurgroep Eerstelijn
voor Bedrijven
- External membership Stuurgroep IMAC
MANAGEMENT TEAM
The Management Board is assisted in its decisions by
a management team, composed in 2007 of:
Deputy Director
J.A.F. van der Bruggen
Manager of the Vehicle Technology division
W.D. Koppel
Manager of the Registration & Information division
Z. Baelde RA
Manager of the ICT organisation
G.J.F. Doll
The secretarial duties are performed by
Ms. M.J. Stiksma.
In addition, the Management Board is advised by:
Manager of the vehicle regulations development
department (‘Ontwikkeling Voertuigreglementering’)
C. Doornheim
Manager of the Strategy and External Developments
department
J. van der Tuuk
Manager of the Facilities Organisation
P.H.F. Bom
Staff Council (OR)
R. van den Brink – Chair (AbvaKabo FNV)
A.W. Meijer – 1st Deputy Chair
until 15th October 2007 (Wintkracht.)
R. Welling – 1st Deputy Chair
since 20th November 2007 (Wintkracht.)
W. Broenland – 2nd Deputy Chair
(CNV Publieke Zaak)
Abvakabo FNV
Ms. T. Eisses
R. Verblakt
J. Baas
Ms. B. Cox-Vertommen
CNV Publieke Zaak
J. Hogenkamp
K. Westerhuis
Manager of the Human Resources department
Ms. M.A.C. Ruimers
Wintkracht.
J. Krol
F. Huijbers (until 1st March 2007)
Ms. B. de Niet-Jansen
G. Boukes
C. Didden
R. Welling (since 1st January 2007)
A. Stam (since 1st March 2007)
H. Korsten (since 1st November 2007)
Manager of the Communications department
Ms. J. Eising
Ms. C. Mooij, who is the official Secretary, is
responsible for the secretarial duties.
Manager of the Finance & Control division
J. van Aller RC
Manager of the Legal and Administrative Affairs
department
H. Pasman
ADDRESSES
RDW Head Office
Europaweg 205
2711 ER Zoetermeer
P.O. Box 777
2700 AT Zoetermeer
Client services
From abroad:
+31 598 39 33 30
Domestic calls:
For the public:
0900-0739 (0900-0RDW)
For the corporate sector:
0900-9739 (0900-ZRDW)
Both numbers are charged at
EUR 0.10 per minute
The opening times are
Monday to Friday
from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
are charged at
EUR 0.10 per minute
The opening times are
Monday to Friday
from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
Internet sites:
www.rdw.nl
www.eucaris.net
www.liv.nl
www.publiekverantwoorden.nl
www.rijbewijs.nl
www.rbb-groep.nl
RDW Veendam
(Registration & Information)
Skager Rak 10
9642 CZ Veendam
P.O. Box 30000
9640 RA Veendam
RDW Groningen
(ICT Organisation)
Rozenburglaan 5
9727 DL Groningen
P.O. Box 314
9640 AH Veendam
Lelystad Test Centre
Talingweg 76
8218 NX Lelystad
Telephone number +31 320 288585
Fax number +31 320 288204
89
NEXT ISSUE
List of abbreviations and definitions
RDW
12th YEAR NUMBER 1 2009
PUBLICATION
Editorial staff of RDW Zoetermeer
Ms. J. Eising
Ms. A.C. Koemans
Ms. N. Gruithuijzen
Realisation & production
Readershouse Brand Media,
Amsterdam
Marieke Ghijsen
Lieke Lemmens
Marloes Roks
Hans Verstraaten
2008 annual report
Editor
Bart Bartholomeus
Lucas Boot
Hedt-Correctiebureau for text & layout
Toine van der Heijden
Yvonne Janssen
Marc Klaver
Guus Peters
First TOOLS
courses
launched
Photography & illustrations
ANP
Bart Bartholomeus,
nummerplaat.com
Liselore Chevalier
Merlijn Doomernik
Herman van Heusden
Hollandse Hoogte
Bert Janssen
Karin Schwandt
Ingmar Timmer
Vehicle
regulations
revised as of
29th April 2009
Post Offices
closing
uences
RDW identifies the conseq
the year of
preparations!
ABS Anti-lock braking system. Prevents the wheels of a car or
KCC Client Contact Centre
motorcycle from locking when the brakes are applied.
LIV National vehicle crime information centre (‘Landelijk Informatie-
ABvM Paying differently for mobility
centrum Voertuigcriminaliteit’)
ADR Transport of dangerous substances
LZV Long and heavy vehicles
AL Administrative charges
NAP Stichting Nationale Autopas
AM category Scooter driving licence
NFI Netherlands Forensic Institute
APK Periodic roadworthiness inspection
NRD New driving licence
ATP Refrigerated transport of foodstuffs
OBD On-Board Diagnostic
Awb General Administrative Law Act
ORB Online system for registering commercial fleet
BKR Credit registration bureau
OVI Online Vehicle Information
BSF Scooter and moped registration project
PAS scheme for partial labour participation for older people (‘Partiële
BVOM Public prosecution services traffic enforcement agency
Arbeidsparticipatie Senioren’)
CBR National driving certificate agency
PKI Public Key Infrastructure
CBS Statistics Netherlands
RBB Government benchmarking group
CITA Comité International de l’Inspection Technique Automobile
R&I Registration & Information division
CJIB Centraal Justitieel Incasso Bureau
SB Speed limiter
COP Conformity of Production. Procedures concerning production
STER programme Streamlining supervision and recognition
coordination to guarantee that every vehicle, system, component and
(‘Stroomlijnen Toezicht & Erkenningen’)
technical unit complies with the relevant EU category certification.
TA Tachograph
CORC Coordinating Group for driving licences and certificates
TET Admission of exceptional transport
COV National exemption licensing
TCL Test centre in Lelystad
CRB Central driving licence and scooter certificates register
TGK Category certification. Certificate issued by a competent organisa-
CROW National platform for infrastructure, traffic, transport and
tion that a vehicle, system, component or technical unit meets the
public space
technical requirements of an EU directive or an ECE regulation.
CRWAM National third-party vehicle insurance register (‘Centraal
TPED Transportable pressurising equipment
Design
Monique van Kessel
Register Wet Aansprakelijkheidsverzekering Motorrijtuigen’)
TV Vehicle ascription
CVO Certificate of accordance (‘Certificaat van Overeenstemming’)
VbV Vehicle crime insurance bureau (‘Stichting Verzekeringsbureau
Lithography and printing
GPB Leiderdorp
ECE Economic Committee for Europe of the United Nations
Voertuigcriminaliteit’)
EFTA European Fair Trade Association
VIR Government information security regulations (‘Voorschrift
Circulation
1,000 copies
Copies of this annual report
can be obtained from:
RDW
Client services
P.O. Box 777
2700 AT Zoetermeer
Telephone number 0900-0739
From abroad: +31 598 39 33 30
(EUR 0.10 per minute)
You can also download this
annual report from: www.rdw.nl
Ereg Association of European Registration Authorities
Informatiebeveiliging Rijksoverheid’)
ESP Electronic Stability Programme
VLD Transport of live animals
ETG European category certification
VLG Transport of dangerous substances
EUCARIS European Car and Driving Licence Information System
VT Vehicle technology department
FMB Long-term financial policy plan
VWA Consumer and product safety authority (‘Voedsel- en Warenau-
FTE Full-time equivalent. A unit to express the proportional time value
toriteit’)
of a job, or staffing levels.
WAM Third-party vehicle insurance act (‘Wet Aansprakelijkheids-
GAIK Controlled issuing and collection of number plates (‘Gecontro-
verzekering Motorrijtuigen’)
leerde Afgifte en Inname van Kentekenplaten’)
WIA Work and income in accordance with capacity act (‘Wet Werk en
HR Human Resources
Inkomen naar Arbeidsvermogen’) (previously WAO)
DISCLAIMER
IDM Identity Management
WOK Waiting for an inspection appointment (‘Wachten op Keuring’)
IK Individual inspections
WOPT Publication of top incomes financed from public funds (‘Wet
The Annual Report is published in English
and Dutch. In case of any discrepancy between
these versions, the Dutch text shall prevail.
IVW Transport and Water Management Inspectorate (‘Inspectie Verkeer
openbaarmaking uit publieke middelen gefinancierde topinkomens’)
en Waterstaat’)
WSS Web self-service
JBZ Legal and administrative affairs department
ZBO Self-governing administrative body
91
In the backseat with...
Camiel Eurlings is Minister of Transport and Water Management and travels a lot
in his official car. We asked him a number of questions in the backseat.
Do you often drive yourself?
“I think it is great to be able to be involved in thinking about
the future of the Netherlands. As a Minister, therefore, I
spend a lot of time in The Hague. But it is even better to
travel the country and talk to people, for which I mostly use
the car. The time I spend in the car, I spend working, which is
why it’s so nice to have a car and a chauffeur at my disposal.
Still, I do enjoy driving. I regularly escape the pressure by
taking my car and driving through the Limburg hills”.
What type of driving behaviour irritates you
the most?
“I cannot stand rude behaviour on the roads. The Netherlands
is a dense country where you have to allow people their space.
Anticipate your surroundings, for instance, keep your distance
and don’t drive too fast. These are vital. At the start of 2008, the
Cabinet therefore introduced an educational measure against
rudeness on the road. It is a mandatory course at the personal
expense of the driver in question. If you deliberately break the
traffic rules and endanger yourself or other people on the road,
this sanction can be imposed on you”.
When did you get your driving licence?
What did you think of the driving test?
“I immediately started driving lessons after my eighteenth
birthday. I passed the driving test first time round. My driving
instructor warned me about a particular examiner: ‘If you
get him, you won’t pass. He never passes someone on their
first driving test’. And, you guessed it, I got that very same
examiner. But even though my driving wasn’t perfect, he passed
me. He had a feeling that I would drive better under normal
circumstances than during the test”.
Do you have fond memories of your first car?
“My first car was a red Peugeot 205 Cabriolet. It was a really old
car; my family thought it was a wreck. Two weeks after I got it,
I drove down to Brussels. Bang in the middle of Schuman
Square I changed from first to second and, all of a sudden, I was
sitting with the gear lever in my hand. It was a Friday afternoon,
so I got to a garage just in the nick of time and they improvised
something. In the Netherlands, a mechanic looked at the repairs
and thought that they had done a good job. I continued to drive
the car with great enjoyment for years after that”.

RDW2007 Annual Report RDW MOST

Transcription

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