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Chronicle Live
Chronicle Live
National
Nigel Nelson & Katie Dickinson

Drivers turning to websites that charge more than £100 for replacement ­licence due to DVLA backlog

Motorists are turning to websites that charge more than £100 for a replacement ­licence due to a huge backlog at the DVLA.

The agency issued 2.4 million fewer licences in the first year of the pandemic, while staff social distancing and strike action has meant delays of up to 10 weeks.

The Mirror reports people are turning to firms which claim they will speed up applications by checking them before sending the forms on for processing with the DVLA.

READ MORE: New study shows Delta Covid variant doubles risk of hospital treatment

One charges £114 for a provisional licence, normally £34.

The firm, based in Estonia, wants £100 for a replacement licence that usually costs £20.

A change of address is free with DVLA but £80 on the site.

The AA said: “People think they are paying £80 to jump the queue. They’re not.

“They’re paying to be conned out of eighty quid.”

Such services are legal but MPs demanded a crackdown.

Shadow transport secretary Jim McMahon said: “Ministers should be taking concrete action to tackle the DVLA backlog.”

DVLA said: “Those applying for or renewing a licence should only use gov.uk to ensure they are dealing with DVLA directly.”

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