On 4 July Transport Minister Mike Penning announced the government’s decision to centralise DVLA’s services in Swansea and the consequent closure of its 39 regional offices by the end of 2013.

The move means customers will have to contact DVLA using the post, online services, or by phone, and will no longer be able to speak to staff face-to-face when difficulties arise.

The Freight transport Association is concerned that several DVLA services, for example the taxation of vehicles with Reduced Pollution Certificates, are not currently available online, leaving the local office as the only option.  

The Association has called on the DVLA to increase its online services to ensure transport companies are not burdened by additional administrative costs and that input from the industry is fully considered.

Vintage vehicles

Owners and restorers of vintage vehicles wishing to re-claim their pre 1984 original registration numbers are often required to have their vehicles inspected by a DVLA official at their local tax office.  It is not clear how this will be accomplished after the offices close next year.  In addition, valuable documents such as old log books and tax discs required by historic vehicle owner’s clubs to confirm the age of a vehicle, can be copied and certified as authentic by DVLA to avoid sending the originals through the post.  This will not be possible in the future and will probably result in some documents being lost preventing the owners obtaining their original numbers.