Taxi drivers could face licensing application delays following DVLA strike action

Taxi and private hire drivers may face delays in their licensing applications due to ongoing industrial action at the DVLA.

Public and Commercial Service Union (PCS) members in the DVLA are taking strike action over COVID safety this week, as DVLA management refuses to meet the demands of workers looking to reduce the number of people on site.

This latest action follows a walkout between 6-9 April, where more than 1,400 PCS members took strike action over health and safety concerns at the DVLA sites. The action in April gathered huge public support, with messages of solidarity still pouring in from other unions and members of the public.

According to PCS, more than 2,000 staff are still being made to attend the main Swansea site daily, a site which the union claims has seen more than 500 COVID cases.

A PCS statement read: “PCS will again be asking all staff who are being made to go into work to take the action. This action is needed so we can push DVLA management to take health and safety concerns seriously, by reducing numbers on site.

“PCS continues to meet with management to see if an agreement can be reached to resolve the dispute.”

The strike action could have knock on effects across the taxi industry. Transport for London (TfL) warned taxi and private hire drivers may face delays on paper applications sent to the DVLA.

A TfL spokesperson said: “Industrial action is taking place until tomorrow. Friday 7 May, that is directly affecting DVLA services. During this time, you are likely to experience delays with the paper applications you send and if trying to reach the DVLA contact centre.

“The DVLA online services are available and are the quickest and easiest way to complete DVLA services.”