We have known of trials being conducted into the way, and by whom, vehicle identity checks were to be made. As always we have waited until we have provable information before making these concerns known to our members.

As part of the Governments review into Public Sector spending both DVLA and VOSA has undergone examination to ensure money is spent as wisely as possible.

As we have shown in previous articles VOSA have been closing testing stations and transferring to Designated Premises and Authorised Test Facilities and this scheme continues .

A leaked document, seen by ACE, reveals that DVLA have re-examined their structure and have decided that most of the functions of Local Offices can be centralised to the head office in Swansea.
The plan calls for this re-organisation to be completed by early 2012.

PCS News

DVLA currently employs 34 Vehicle Inspection Officers most of whom are now part time due to recruitment freezes at LOs meaning their time is also being used for routine office work. These VIOs are involved with checking of vehicle identities rather than the process of checking imported vehicles VIN and engine numbers which are dealt with by LO staff routinely.

As part of rationalisation of both VOSA and DVLA a trial has already been run where VOSA have shown their own prowess at taking over the VIOs duties. As part of the trial many vehicles requiring inspection are being referred directly to both the Police and VOSA reducing the workload on DVLA, increasing experience in procedures for both Police and VOSA in preparation for the closure of the Local Service Network early next year.

Full details can be found here

PCS - DVLA Inspection Review