Drivers Waiting Months for Processing

Local Stirling MP Alyn Smith has called for urgent action to address a backlog at the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency), with reports of delays up to 3 months for licenses amidst a national crisis for the haulage sector. 

Writing to the Secretary of State for Transport, Mr Smith emphasised the pressing need to clear administrative logjams to help alleviate acute labour shortages in the national logistics network.

Concerns have been raised throughout the pandemic regarding serious delays throughout the pandemic at the DVLA, with officials questioned at a Westminster Transport Committee earlier this year. The agency has been plagued with structural and staffing problems, and is currently facing industrial action by members of the Public and Commercial Services Union.

Alyn Smith MP said:

‘It is totally unacceptable for some constituents in rural areas to be waiting over three months to be able to drive because of delays at the DVLA. This is another long running problem that this Government has let grow into a crisis, one that only exacerbates the HGV and logistics pressures many businesses in Stirling and across Scotland are experiencing.

‘In a time of severe shortages of HGV drivers, a backlog of paper applications, and many people applying for provisional licences, the Transport Secretary has a lot to answer for.

‘More needs to be done in order to address this problem and I urge the Tory Government to pull their heads out of the sand and address these delays and issues at pace. With the logistical pressure of Christmas looming, my constituents expect better from the UK Government.’

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