DVLA accused of highway robbery

The director general of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) has blasted the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) for what he believes is highway robbery.

The outburst by John Lewis comes as first registration fees are set to increase from £38 to £50 on 1st May.

He is extremely concerned at the knock-on effect the 32% price hike will have on the industry – which could cost an extra £21.6 million a year.

Mr Lewis sees it as a ‘cock-eyed’ way for the DVLA to balance its books to make up for the revenue it is losing on its driving licence services.

An increase which is 10 times the rate of annual inflation, he said, is sheer profiteering and individuals and businesses have no choice but to pay.

And as businesses now buy nearly three quarters of all new cars, he said, it is they who will be impacted on most. He sees the move as a cynical attempt not to further alienate drivers by the government.

And to exacerbate the situation still further, he continued, the DVLA is now going to cut the fee for changing the old paper driving licence to a new photocard licence by nearly 50%.