THE Department for Transport must ensure that the recently re-organised motoring agencies must work harder to deliver a better service for all, including business customers.

Launching a report today examining the experience of people using the Government’s motoring agencies, Louise Ellman MP, Transport Committee chair said:

“DVLA and DVSA are important for delivering essential services related to tax, licensing, testing, and vehicle safety.

“The Department for Transport must ensure that its current re-organisation programme for these agencies delivers high quality services that benefit everyone.

“The recent problems experienced by motorists when road tax renewal went online demonstrates the importance of responding to change, having clear communication with the public and an effective contingency plan to maintain confidence.”

“We welcome greater information sharing across the motoring agencies and the expansion of online services that we found were well-liked by many customers. However, the motoring agencies must continue to meet the needs of those customers who can’t access or use digital services.

“Linked to this the Government must do more to warn motorists about misleading ‘copycat’ websites that charge for services provided for free by motoring agencies.

“We also call on DVLA to do more to explain the legal basis for the sharing of personal data with organisations engaged in parking enforcement and the steps it takes to deal with private parking companies caught misusing personal data supplied by the motoring agencies.”

BVRLA chief executive Gerry Keaney commented:

“It’s reassuring to see the report identify that both agencies need to develop a better understanding of the needs of business users. BVRLA members manage over five million separate paper transactions with the DVLA each year, so it’s great to hear that the report has called for an improved digital offering for fleets.”