đź•’ Article read time: 2 minutes
Surprise over DVSA fee increase in face of low service levels for HGV driver testing
Eyebrows have been raised by the recent announcement from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) that it will be raising most of its statutory fees this year despite delivering what is generally held to be a low level of HGV driver testing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Following a consultation in August 2021, ministers have agreed to increase most of DVSA’s statutory fees. The agency has indicated that these will increase by what it describes as a “modest” 1.5%, but has not indicated when this will come into effect other than “later in 2022”, to allow time for the necessary changes to regulations.
DVSA received 2,573 responses to its consultation on the fee increase. While more than two out of three respondents (68%) said that the proposed fee increases were fair, more than one in five (21%) said they strongly disagreed with the increase.
James Firth, Head of Road Freight Regulation, Logistics UK, said: “Coming hard on the heels of 24 months in which HGV driver testing capacity can be described as patchy at best, Logistics UK members may find it hard to swallow this news of a rise in DVSA’s fees.
“Struggling as they are with the twin pressures of rising inflation and wafer-thin margins, this hike in fees does nothing to help the businesses that keep our nation’s shops, schools and hospitals stocked with food, pharmaceuticals and other essential goods.”
Logistics UK will inform members as soon as the new schedule of fees is available.
*www.logistics.org.uk/road
Published On: 27/01/2022 16:00:21
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In brief
THE HIGHWAY CODE HAS CHANGED
Changes to The Highway Code seek to improve safety for people walking, cycling and horse riding. A new hierarchy of road users has been introduced to ensure that drivers and riders should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross the road. New guidance also advises drivers to give priority to cyclists travelling straight ahead at junctions.
www.gov.uk/dft.highway-code-changes
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