The Labour Party government has confirmed new number plate and medical licence rules as the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) makes more than 830,000 decisions each year. The government has acknowledged serious failings in how the DVLA handles medical licences.
Transport Minister Addresses Parliament
Transport Minister Simon Lightwood told the House of Commons that the government is reviewing the registered number plate supplier scheme while also considering a new British standard for plates. He added that ministers are exploring how technology can identify illegal plates more effectively.
Mr Lightwood also informed the Commons that the DVLA made over 830,000 medical licensing decisions but warned they cannot be rushed. He stated: "Drivers' medical services have been a source of significant concern for members across this House and, more importantly, for our constituents."
Impact on Drivers
Mr Lightwood emphasised the personal impact of licence delays, saying: "When a licence is delayed, the impact is immediate, and it's personal. People can face lost income, isolation, missed appointments and prolonged uncertainty."
Opposition Criticism
Conservative Party MP Gareth Bacon accused ministers of failing to deliver on promised modernisation. He warned there is a gap between the rhetoric and actual delivery, questioning: "How can we ever expect to see improvements in efficiency and service for the customer?"
Mr Bacon also criticised weak penalties for ghost cloning, calling it "madness" and noting that current legislation does not properly reflect the seriousness of this crime. He said: "Express criminal activity, often to facilitate other crimes, and it should be treated as such."
Call for Tighter Rules
Mr Bacon highlighted inconsistencies in vehicle purchasing rules: "It's an oddity that it's much harder to scrap a car than it is to buy one. To scrap a vehicle, you need ID, whereas to buy one, you just turn up and pay in cash." He warned this is a gateway for thousands of uninsured vehicles used for criminal purposes and asked: "Why don't we tighten up the rules?" He suggested that anyone buying a car should at least have to record their driving licence.
