Elderly drivers may be forced to renew licences online with Post Office issues
Elderly motorists may be forced to renew their driving licences and pay vehicle tax online as concerns between the DVLA and Post Office continue.
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The Post Office provides a vital lifeline to millions of people across the UK, with more than 11,500 branches across the UK.
For motorists, the Post Office can help with taxing vehicles and renewing driving licences and are vital for those who are not experienced when using technology.
Elderly drivers in particular rely on the Post Office to renew their driving licences, which have to be done every three years once they reach the age of 70.
However, this may change in the future with issues between the Post Office and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
The contract between the central Post Office company and the DVLA will expire on June 30 after negotiations stalled, The Times reported.
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If negotiations were to fail, it could mean that over-the-counter help to tax vehicles could be removed, potentially affecting thousands of drivers.
The British Vehicle Rental and Licensing Association has reached out to the DVLA for reassurances about the services currently provided by Post Offices.
In a post on its website, the BVRLA said: “There have been reports that contract negotiations have broken down, which could impact the ability to bulk tax vehicles over three years old and electric vehicles.
“The DVLA and the Post Office are currently in discussions with regards to a contract extension.
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“There has been press speculation that these discussions are not going well and could result in the Post Office not being able to offer a vehicle tax service anymore.”
Many BVRLA members rely on the Post Office to bulk tax vehicles, especially with company cars and vehicles in a fleet.
According to the Association, the option to bulk tax vehicles is currently not available electronically.
In the statement, the BVRLA has assured members that it will frequently provide updates on discussions with the DVLA.
On the Post Office website, it states that drivers can renew their driving licence in a branch for £21.50, including DVLA fees, with motorists estimated to wait around three weeks to receive their new licence.
All they will need is their photocard licence and a renewal reminder. The Post Office will then take a picture for the licence and send it off.
This can be done at one of the many Post Office branches around the UK, although this may change in the future.