Declares that Post Offices are vital in accessing in DVLA services per year; notes that the Post Office provides a vital service to 6 million people who use the Post Office network for accessing DVLA services per year; further that senior citizens rely on Post Offices to renew their licences, which have to be renewed every three years after the age of 70; further notes that citizens who are unable to use the internet require help and advice from Post Office staff when completing DVLA applications; further declares that many Post Offices providing this service may risk closure if customers are not able to renew licenses or vehicle tax.
The petitioners therefore request the House of Commons to urge the Government to recognise the importance of DVLA services remaining accessible from Post Offices and to renew the contract with the Post Office Ltd so customers have a choice of in-person and online renewal.
And the petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Valerie Vaz , Official Report, 25 October 2023; Vol. 738, c. 936.]
[P002864]
Observations from the Mr Richard Holden (North West Durham) (Con):
The Post Office provides some DVLA services and an extension to the current contract has been agreed, ensuring that DVLA services will be available at post offices until the end of March 2024.
The DVLA wants its customers to be able to access its services as quickly and easily as possible and is considering the role that face-to-face counter services will play in the future, utilising cross-Government agreements where possible. The vast majority of people licensing vehicles already do so online or via the DVLA’s automated telephone service, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. However, I can assure the hon. Member that the DVLA will continue to ensure that all customers will be able to license their vehicles.