Bern suspends automated vehicle searches over security warning

The canton of Bern has temporarily shut down its automated vehicle search system, implementing requirements set by Switzerland’s Federal Supreme Court, SRF reported Friday. Security Director Philippe Müller has warned the court that the suspension could create a security gap.

The court this week largely upheld Bern’s rules on automated vehicle searches and traffic monitoring. The canton may therefore continue scanning the licence plates of all vehicles on various roads and comparing them with databases.

However, the court ordered changes to the cantonal police law. A provision allowing data from drivers with no suspected offence to be stored for 60 days must be removed, and such data must be deleted immediately. The logging of search requests must also be regulated.

Bern’s security directorate said police already comply with these requirements. Data from vehicles that do not produce a match is deleted without delay, and all search requests are fully logged. Nevertheless, the system must remain suspended until the amended legal framework takes effect.

In a letter to the Federal Supreme Court, Müller warned of a security gap in efforts to combat serious crimes including killings, rape and abductions. He asked the court to allow the system to resume for such offences before the legal changes formally take effect and before the court publishes its written reasoning.

Bern introduced automated vehicle searches in August 2024.