A driver given a Clean Air Zone fine was sent the details of eight other people when he got his penalty in the post. The letters contained the full name, addresses and vehicle registrations of the other motorists - a breach of GDPR privacy rules.
The man, who did not want to be named, received his own penalty notice in an envelope from Bristol City Council containing a total of 18 pages, with his fine at the top of the pile. All the addressees had first names starting with the same letter of the alphabet.
He sent anonymous letters out to the named individuals, informing them that their data has been breached. After getting their letters, several of the named individuals contacted Bristol Live saying they were unaware their personal data had been sent to a stranger.
READ MORE: Elderly woman has nasty fall on "terrible" roads at new-build estate
The fined motorist, who had driven to Bristol to drop off a friend, got caught in the CAZ while going towards the M32 from Temple Meads Station. He tried to avoid the charging zone but was unable to.
He said: "They just picked up a bunch and stuffed them in the same envelope. It’s got names, addresses and car registrations. I haven’t mentioned it to the council, I just dealt with mine. I thought that it’s a bit concerning. If they are doing something, they should do it according to the correct procedures and processes.”
A spokesperson for Bristol City Council said: “We are aware that a breach of the General Data Protection Regulation has occurred. We sincerely apologise to those affected and ask that any information relating to this matter is sent directly to the council.
“Following a personal data breach an investigation is carried out into the causes. Where staff have made a mistake the matter is addressed as a training issue, and where there have been failures in policy or process any necessary changes are made to reduce the risk of a similar incident occurring in the future.”
READ NEXT:
Please stop sending us Bristol Clean Air Zone fines beg couple in Sussex
Council apologises for 'incorrect' Clean Air Zone advice which saw Asda shoppers fined
Council tells CAZ drivers at Asda Bedminster they won't be fined, then fines them
The 28 locations across Bristol where air pollution is illegal
