CINCINNATI, Ohio — North America’s top transport regulators and law enforcement leaders has established a panel on security in the wake of the terrorist attacks Sept. 11.

The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) taskforce will work with U.S. Congress, as well as, federal agencies in both Canada and the U.S., to find ways to issue secure identification credentials for driver licensing and photo ID purposes.

In addition, it will attempt to develop short- and long-term priorities and actions to improve security, explained Alan Cockman, chair of the AAMVA board of Directors. Cockman, vice-president of the Saskatchewan Government Insurance Auto Fund, was elected AAMVA chairman last month.

A full report of the task force’s recommendations is due to the AAMVA board in January.

“The Sept. 11 attacks have brought to the forefront new needs in this area,” says Cockman. “AAMVA’s infrastructure, with a private computer network connecting all U.S. and Canadian jurisdictions, and our members’ knowledge and expertise, serves as a powerful resource in this effort.”

Cockman appointed Betty Serian, deputy secretary of the Pennsylvania Dept. of Transportation, chair of the taskforce. Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators executive Audrey Henderson is one of two Canadian representatives on the task force. A second Canuck has yet to be named.

A first meeting of the group was held in Cincinnati in late October with no invitations going out to members of the trucking industry.