Gordon MP Richard Thomson criticises DVLA delays across Aberdeenshire
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Ongoing DVLA delays are affecting Aberdeenshire communities.
In a letter to the UK Transport Minister, Gordon MP Richard Thomson has criticised delays faced by his constituents for basic DVLA services.
Some Aberdeenshire residents have faced several-month delays to renew and register licenses.
In rural areas dependant on car travel, DVLA issues can have significant impact on people's lives.
Residents have reported application and communication difficulties which have lasted over a year.
Mr Thomson said: “Everyone understands the pressure public and private services have been under during this pandemic. But almost two years on, we need action to tackle DVLA delays.
"First-time drivers, those renewing licences and the logistics sector are all trying to recover from the pandemic and move on with their lives.
“It is simply unacceptable for communications to break down between citizens and public services, to the extent enquiries have gone unanswered for months.
"I have written to the Secretary of State for Transport calling on the UK Government to urgently get a grip of this situation, which continues to have a profound impact on people across the North-east.”
The DVLA said that they have recruited more staff, have increased overtime and boosted office space to address concerns.
People waiting for their application to be processed can, in some cases, still drive unless their doctor or optician has not told them not to.
Applications for lorry and bus driving licenses are currently being prioritised.
A DVLA spokesperson said: “Our online services are working without delay and there are currently no delays for bus and lorry licence applications, which are being issued in normal processing times of around five days.
“We are working extremely hard to reduce waiting times for paper applications and for customers who call our contact centre, where demand is currently very high.
"More complex transactions, for example if medical investigations are needed, will take longer.”
