New driving licence photo rules could put jobs at risk

A LOCAL family photography business will be affected as a result of changes to photo ID rules for the new driving licence to be introduced next month.

Donaghmede based Michael Edwards Photography, which has been serving the local community for 35 years, will suffer from the changes to photo requirements for the new credit-card style driving licence.

From January 19, instead of getting a passport sized picture taken externally, those seeking new or replacement driving licences will be required to go to a specific facility where they will be photographed at the time of submitting their application.

The RSA (Road Safety Authority) sought a service provider to fulfill the brief of this photography work through the EU Tender process.

Michael Edwards Photography, the longest tenant in Donaghmede Shopping Centre, will be one of many businesses affected by the new changes.

Mr Edwards explained he would have little choice but to let a staff member go due to the new system.

“A substantial part of our business is photo ID and this contributes to the hiring of one of my staff,

? he stated.

“I have weathered the storms here in Donaghmede for the past 35 years and have kept going. I have no problem with competition but it has to be on a level playing field.

“Every small photo dealer throughout the country is in the same boat. We are dependent on this cash flow and the footfall it brings to our premises.

“I would urge Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar to reconsider the decision and help save one job and I am sure many more.

?

From January 2013, all driving licences and learner permits will be in credit card-sized format as part of an EU Directive.

Through its National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), the RSA will produce all new, replacement and renewal licences and learner permits in this new format from 19 January 2013.

The administration of the driving licence will transfer from the local authorities to the new structures set up by the RSA in September 2013.

A spokesperson for the RSA explained how it tendered for a front office facility to administer the licence and be the public face of the NDLS.

“We requested photo capture at the front office in the tender and gave the option of scanning a photograph provided by the customer or the capture of a digital photograph by the contractor at the front office,

? said the RSA spokesperson.

“All tenderers proposed the capture of the customer’s digital photograph and signature at the front office.

“The cost of the photograph capture will be part of the licence fee instead of the e5 – e8 fee charged for getting a passport style photograph at present for your driving licence.

“This system will also deliver an enhanced level of security and anti-fraud protection measures by capturing the photograph of the customer at the front office instead of the customer providing a photograph with the current application through the post.

?

The new licence, which will become standard across EU states, will be plastic, smaller in size and carry a microchip.

It will only be available to those who have passed their driving test or are applying for their first driving licence on or after 19 January 2013.

Those who are renewing their learner permit/driving licence, or are exchanging a foreign licence for an Irish one on or after this date, will also be eligible.