MCN Campaign: End the lost licences fiasco now

MCN is demanding the DVLA end the lost bike licences fiasco by cutting corners off old licences and returning them to riders when replacements are issued.  

Hundreds of motorcyclists tell of sending their licence to the DVLA to change details such as address only to get a replacement with entitlement to ride bikes missing.

When they notify the DVLA they are told there is no record of their ever having a motorcycle licence.

Our proposal – which is already done with passports – would give them a way to prove a mistake had been made and save them having to retake their test.

The idea already has the backing of the RAC, AA and Conservative and Liberal Democrat shadow transport ministers along with rider and bike industry groups.

Liberal Democrat Shadow Transport Secretary Norman Baker has agreed to raise the proposal with Transport Secretary Lord Andrew Adonis.

He said: “It’s quite wrong that people should be inconvenienced by the DVLA who will not admit their mistakes.”

It would even give the DVLA a safeguard against false claims and help resolve cock-ups in which it has handed out lorry and coach licences to the wrong people.

The British Motorcyclists Federation’s Chris Hodder said: “It works for everyone.”

Conservative Shadow Transport Minister Robert Goodwill said: “It’s a brilliant idea. I call on the Government to start doing it straight away.”

Yet the DVLA has only agreed to consider the proposal. A spokesman said: “We do everything we can to ensure that our records are accurate and on the whole they are.

“We welcome any further suggestions that might improve the quality of service we provide to customers and we will ensure your proposal is considered carefully.”

An AA spokesman said: “The DVLA is worried about being prosecuted for giving false entitlement so this idea would help them. We would back anything that sorts this problem out.”

And RAC spokesman said: “There’s no reason why the corner can’t be cut off a driving licence and it shouldn’t add to the cost of replacing them. It would be a sensible outcome to what seems to be a growing problem.”

Help us corner the DVLA on the issue by signing our petition here: www.gopetition.co.uk/online/29956.html