BVRLA Chief Executive Gerry Keaney has made the following comments in reaction to the Department for Transport’s announcement about its plans to streamline and improve the delivery of motoring services.
“Its been a momentous few years for the motoring agencies, which have undergone a radical transformation that has seen them merge operations, shed jobs and get to grips with their archaic IT systems,” said Chief Executive, Gerry Keaney.
“The elimination of the tax disc and the driver licence counterpart were very high profile, but they have been just two results from the DVLA’s plans to replace paperwork and bureaucracy with efficient digital services.
“In many cases, these changes are bringing huge administrative and cost savings to fleets. But not always. Some of the changes have been rushed through and poorly communicated, with too little attention paid to the needs of the fleet sector.
“We think that now is a good time to take stock of where the DVLA and DVSA are, and how they can best meet motorists’ needs in what is a rapidly changing automotive environment.
“It is no coincidence that this latest plan for ‘innovative and streamlined’ motoring services comes at a time when the department is under pressure to deliver huge budget cuts for the Treasury.
“We trust that these improvements will deliver efficiencies for the motoring agencies and their customers, as promised.”
In response to some of the more specific measures outlined in the consultation, Mr Keaney added:
“The BVRLA has been calling for private sector testing of HGVs for some time, as we believe this would build on the successful roll out of ATFs by providing an even more flexible and efficient testing service for operators.
“We continue to work closely with the DVSA on its support its plans to develop a more targeted enforcement regime that focusses on non-compliant fleets while recognising the commitment that BVRLA members have made to safe HGV operations.
“Both these initiatives would produce real benefits for the road transport sector.”
