There has been an ever-increasing backlog of requests for the DVLA to apply changes to driving licences.
During a Department for Transport debate in the House of Commons last month, the MP for Frome, David Warburton, challenged the Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps MP, over the issue.
He made this challenge as the DVLA has left more than 50,000 motorists nationwide facing delays in securing their driving licence or provisional driving licence.
Motorists can expect to wait over 12 weeks, especially when applying for provisional driving licences, renewing your driving licence, applying for a change of name or address and renewing your licence if you are over 70.
Warburton reported that massive delays at the DVLA have resulted in several of his constituents needing to wait unacceptably long periods for their requests. This has lead to massive delays on driving lessons including delays on driving lessons in London, driving lessons in Andover and even driving lessons in Salisbury.
People all over the country have struggled to contact the DVLA, with some even trying to call the DVLA 120 times.
The DVLA have tried to counteract the issue by introducing more online services, recruiting extra staff, using more overtime and securing extra office space.
Warburton spoke on the matter, saying, “I appreciate the efforts being made, and I understand the various union issues involved, but it is clear from numerous constituents who have got in touch have been unable to get through to the DVLA – this also applies to the MPs’ hotline – the delays are having an impact on urgent and severe cases relating to other issues.”
The DVLA strikes throughout the year saw a backlog of over 55,000 applications arise.
While people struggle to get through to the DVLA, they claim that there are no delays in their online services. As a result, they are actively encouraging customers to use their online service and speak to them on 0300 790 6801 if their application has taken over ten weeks.
You can read more about this developing issue on The Express here, or you can see more from MP David Warburton here.
