DVLA Turnaround for Uprating?

[Pausim]

Morning All (Very Early Morning)

Having woken up with a start at 2.00am I am currently trying to lull myself to sleep by watching the BBC Parliament programme. (Don't laugh at the back!!!)

The CEO of DVLA a Ms Julia Lennard has been given a right going over relating to numbers at work and was having difficulty in trying to get across to the Committee of how many staff she had either on site or off at home. (Apparently they have 6400+ staff but more than 2000 of them are part time.

Eventually after that was clarified, an MP asked (demanded ) to know what the percentages were as to turnaround times of the work sent to them.

She said that with regard to the work that was 'Online', they, (DVLA) were dealing with them at a very good rate but for the 'Paper' transactions ie. etc, there was currently a 6-8 week turnaround for that work.

I appreciate that some Funsters have had waits of a longer period but I thought it would be helpful to know what the current situation was.

Seems I did well to get my C1 back in less than a month, including Christmas and New Year. It was definitely a paper application and the D4 Health Report had enough on it that someone will have had to clear it. However I will not hold my breath for the up-rating going so well.

 

[Lenny HB]

"unsure of how DVLA departments work"

That's a bit extreme using the DVLA and work in the same sentence.
Dam I just did it.

 

[Emmit]

Thanks for sharing did she say why timescales have increased? For example how many people have been or are off with Covid?

Apparently, since last March they've had 584 people off BUT all but 11 of them have been off since September.
2000 of them are working from home but I get the impression that they are the ones who are doing online stuff.
One MP asked why they were still spending time issuing provisional licences when driving schools aren't open?
The committee were asking very pointed questions to which the DVLA glitterati present were having to ask to provide the answers later.
It was said that at the start of the pandemic they sent everyone bar 100 home in order to make Swansea covid secure and admitted that there was a delay in that because of difficulty in obtaining perspex etc to make work stations secure. They have increased their "estate" by obtaining for office space elsewhere. They were criticised for not having sufficient measures in place to get the staff to work because, in line with current thinking there is insufficient parking for staff and they couldn't organise alt. buses. Fact, they receive 60000 (sixty thousand) pieces of post per day. For circs I will explain later, I will sign off now. Ask a question and I'll try to recall the answer.

 

[Coolcats]

Apparently, since last March they've had 584 people off BUT all but 11 of them have been off since September.
2000 of them are working from home but I get the impression that they are the ones who are doing online stuff.
One MP asked why they were still spending time issuing provisional licences when driving schools aren't open?
The committee were asking very pointed questions to which the DVLA glitterati present were having to ask to provide the answers later.
It was said that at the start of the pandemic they sent everyone bar 100 home in order to make Swansea covid secure and admitted that there was a delay in that because of difficulty in obtaining perspex etc to make work stations secure. They have increased their "estate" by obtaining for office space elsewhere. They were criticised for not having sufficient measures in place to get the staff to work because, in line with current thinking there is insufficient parking for staff and they couldn't organise alt. buses. Fact, they receive 60000 (sixty thousand) pieces of post per day. For circs I will explain later, I will sign off now. Ask a question and I'll try to recall the answer.

Thank you for sharing

 

[Westbarn1]

I've been waiting nearly 2 months for my piece of paper from the VCA, before I can submit my application to the DVLA for registration, at this rate, if Im lucky, might achieve that by the time we are allowed to travel anywhere

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[Nanniemate]

Well this is going to speed things up.

Staff are scared to work at the UK vehicle licensing agency's contact centre in Swansea where 500 workers have contracted coronavirus since the pandemic began, a union says.

Covid: DVLA staff in Swansea 'scared to enter the workplace'

Ministers are urged to intervene amid rising Covid infection numbers at the Swansea office.

www.bbc.co.uk

but what they don't tell you is that most of them are related

 

[Emmit]

This pandemic has highlighted that bigger is not always better.
How many on here have had letters and application forms bouncing backwards and forwards to Swansea, when if that local office (and I think we would all be prepared to put mileage in) Could be used, even if it was to resubmit a doc. that Blodwyn had rejected or if they themselves, thinks "Surely they don't make mistakes???" made a faux pa's ie Revenue weights etc.

 

[Emmit]

Today is Humble pie day.

On a daily basis, I have been checking the DVLA site to ascertain whether or not our Van has been uprated.

The Docs were sent in on 8th January. (This year, cheeky!)

This morning I have just been on the site and found that the upgrade is displayed.
Can't argue with a turnaround of 26 days gross.

 

[34127]

I recently put a private reg on my car which was done online but the DVLA had were able to send out a survey questionnaire by post about the process approx 1 week afterwards so it seems some departments are not that busy or they have their priorities wrong.

 

[Lenny HB]

Today is Humble pie day.

On a daily basis, I have been checking the DVLA site to ascertain whether or not our Van has been uprated.

The Docs were sent in on 8th January. (This year, cheeky!)

This morning I have just been on the site and found that the upgrade is displayed.
Can't argue with a turnaround of 26 days gross.

But have they got it right, 9 times out of 10 they get the MAM wrong and you have to send the v5 back.

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[Ditcha]

Did they get the MAM right on line F1?

Never got it right on my V5 received back last week revenue weight updated to 4500kg and MAM still at 4250kg

 

[Emmit]

Never got it right on my V5 received back last week revenue weight updated to 4500kg and MAM still at 4250kg

Did you have to burst my bubble!!!

I can only check the Revenue Weight at the mo.
The application did ask for me to only fill out that part of the doc. that required alteration.
Being the rebel I am I filled in EVERY COMPARTMENT,
alteration required or not.

 

[Pausim]

Their form at section 1 on the V5 only has space for updating the revenue weight but not the max. permissible mass. Their web site says:
“If the change is not listed in section 1 or 7, add notes to the ‘vehicle details’ section instead.”
I assume this means putting a big X on the V5 next to the mpm and writing the new figure next to it.

 

[Ditcha]

There's mixed opinions as to wether or not it's needed, definitely not here we use the revenue weight but abroad I don't know although I was told the EU just use the MAM figure for taxation class don't think I am going to bother changing mine.

 

[JockandRita]

PS Can anyone on here think of a reason why the vehicle in question has to have a current VED when applying for either Up/downrating or transfer of a personised number plate.

I don't know the answer to that one either Derek, but if anyone finds out, I'd be pleased to know. I have purchased a private Reg No, but can't assign it to the vehicle whilst it is currently sorned.

The only problem is the Royal mail sign for the sack not even individual items, at the local sorting office before delivering to DVLA, no one at DVLA signs for it.

My online tracking number displayed a signature on delivery to DVLA, dated and timed, which was the proof I needed, ie,

After months of nothing from them (despite numerous attempts to speak with a human), I had a very similar offer via email, to renew my V5 for £25.00.
A curt reply enquiring why I needed to purchase a new V5, when the original was not lost by me, supported with images of the documents (already) sent by recorded delivery..................along with an image of the Royal Mail tracked signature on behalf of DVLA, displaying the time and date delivered, soon saw me in receipt of a more positive response within minutes, advising me that the updated V5 would be with me in a few days.
It was, but what an absolute shambles.

If anyone needs to, email Vehicle4@dvla.gov.uk, with photos of the copied documents you made before sending them off, along with your Post Office receipt, and the screen image of your tracking number delivery information.
My eventual contact who sorted my replacement V5 delay from March to July, was Emily Griffiths.

Cheers,

Jock.

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[Lenny HB]

My online tracking number displayed a signature on delivery to DVLA, dated and timed, which was the proof I needed, ie,

Until you get a problem, you phone them and they say we didn't sign for it the Royal Mail did.

 

[DangerMousy]

But have they got it right, 9 times out of 10 they get the MAM wrong and you have to send the v5 back.

They didn't get it right for our's either....despite me sticking post-its next to the bits that needed updating, and referring in my covering letter to each of the item codes that needed changing

We posted our documents off to them at the end of August last year and received our incorrectly updated V5 back sometime during the first week of December - so just over 3 months. I sent it straight back again but also on 8th December I sent in a complaint online - I didn't complain about how long it had taken, I focussed instead on the lack of attention to detail. I got a response to my complaint on 15th December apologising and saying a corrected V5 will be sent out and to destroy the incorrect one (oh well, I wasted a 2nd class stamp sending the incorrect one back). And the new V5 that was issued on 15th was absolutely correct

 

[Ditcha]

I sent in a complaint online - I didn't complain about how long it had taken, I focussed instead on the lack of attention to detail. I got a response to my complaint on 15th December apologising and saying a corrected V5 will be sent out and to destroy the incorrect one (oh well, I wasted a 2nd class stamp sending the incorrect one back). And the new V5 that was issued on 15th was absolutely correct

Just followed your plan of action, sent a complaint asking for the V5C to be corrected let's see what happens

 

[Emmit]

Did you have to burst my bubble!!!

I can only check the Revenue Weight at the mo.
The application did ask for me to only fill out that part of the doc. that required alteration.
Being the rebel I am I filled in EVERY COMPARTMENT,
alteration required or not.

Well,
What can I say?
The V5c arrived today and they HAVE altered the 'Revenue Weight' to the increased weight.
I can't say whether the MAM has been Increased/Decreased??? because that section is Blank???

I'd rather have nothing there than something that is clearly wrong.

 

[pagey]

Sent my wife's licence renewal off last September as she was 70 dvla sent her a letter stating that she needed an eye test and would arrange this and send us an appointment not heard from them since

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[pagey]

Sent my wife's licence renewal off last September as she was 70 dvla sent her a letter stating that she needed an eye test and would arrange this and send us an appointment not heard from them since

Its just turned up in the post ..I am going to get a lotter ticket

 

[Emmit]

Sent my wife's licence renewal off last September as she was 70 dvla sent her a letter stating that she needed an eye test and would arrange this and send us an appointment not heard from them since

I was just about to ask whether she got her new licence.

I wonder whether that grilling, 'The Management' got in the Commons Select Committee has filtered down to the 'workers'? (That question mark fulfils two purposes.)

 

[Mick and Ruth]

I posted the documentation for my uprate before last lock down and it took about 4 months months due to CV but it got done in the end.
We applied online 6 months ago to renew our pink license and they arrived within 5 days.

 

[pagey]

I was just about to ask whether she got her new licence.

I wonder whether that grilling, 'The Management' got in the Commons Select Committee has filtered down to the 'workers'? (That question mark fulfils two purposes.)

she has to have an eye test because on the application form it asks if she wears glasses she replied yes and because the dvla did not know they require an eye test . she has held a licence for 45 years an that was when she last filled a form in anyway now booked for monday at specsavers

 

[Ditcha]

They didn't get it right for our's either....despite me sticking post-its next to the bits that needed updating, and referring in my covering letter to each of the item codes that needed changing

We posted our documents off to them at the end of August last year and received our incorrectly updated V5 back sometime during the first week of December - so just over 3 months. I sent it straight back again but also on 8th December I sent in a complaint online - I didn't complain about how long it had taken, I focussed instead on the lack of attention to detail. I got a response to my complaint on 15th December apologising and saying a corrected V5 will be sent out and to destroy the incorrect one (oh well, I wasted a 2nd class stamp sending the incorrect one back). And the new V5 that was issued on 15th was absolutely correct

Thanks DangerMousy that email tip worked a treat they are sending me a new V5C with the correct f1 max permissible mass out without having to send anything to them

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[DangerMousy]

Thanks DangerMousy that email tip worked a treat they are sending me a new V5C with the correct f1 max permissible mass out without having to send anything to them

Great! Glad it also worked out for you

 

[Pausim]

They didn't get it right for our's either....despite me sticking post-its next to the bits that needed updating, and referring in my covering letter to each of the item codes that needed changing

We posted our documents off to them at the end of August last year and received our incorrectly updated V5 back sometime during the first week of December - so just over 3 months. I sent it straight back again but also on 8th December I sent in a complaint online - I didn't complain about how long it had taken, I focussed instead on the lack of attention to detail. I got a response to my complaint on 15th December apologising and saying a corrected V5 will be sent out and to destroy the incorrect one (oh well, I wasted a 2nd class stamp sending the incorrect one back). And the new V5 that was issued on 15th was absolutely correct

That is excellent advice DangerMousy . I had my motorhome up-plated recently and the DVLA turnaround was very good but the Max. permissible mass was still at 3500, no surprise even though I had written on the form I wanted both figures revised. I did as you suggested and went to the online complaints/compliments form. I started with a compliment about the speedy service and then pointed out the problem. I received an email apologising within a few days and then a few days later the new V5C arrived with both figures at 3850.

Putting the problem in the official complaints system seems to work very well. I suspect that if they continue to log official complaints on the subject they might learn to get it right first time. If the problem is taken straight to the section dealing with these matters (as suggested online and by telephone) I suspect it is put right (slowly) without anyone logging it as a problem or a complaint.

 

[DangerMousy]

It was actually a post from Minxy Girl on this thread which originally suggested going down the complaint route.

Putting the problem in the official complaints system seems to work very well. I suspect that if they continue to log official complaints on the subject they might learn to get it right first time. If the problem is taken straight to the section dealing with these matters (as suggested online and by telephone) I suspect it is put right (slowly) without anyone logging it as a problem or a complaint.

I agree - after all, the people in charge don't know there's a problem unless someone tells them about it.

 

[Emmit]

I may be talking out of my but my take on it is that if it a request to change owner, buy a vehicle etc. then the turnaround is fairly quick.

However, ???

If the request requires scrutiny, ie Change of MAM etc (whether that be up or down) then there seems to be a delay, sometimes measured in months.

It doesn't help when, should DVLA perceive a problem, and I'm not saying that all the applications have been correctly filled in, DVLA send the application back and, regardless of the delays in the system, they make no note of the application being received and consequently state that the paperwork must be lost and one would have to apply for another V5c.

There should be some form of system put in place where the application could be recorded as being received and awaiting process.

Currently we are waiting (8th Jan. and counting) for DVLA to tell me that our originally MAMed? van of 4000Kgs can be lawfully used on a road with a MAM of er? 4000Kgs. The previous owner having reduced the MAM to 3500Kgs.

It also sticks in this Tykes craw that I have to continue paying VED of £270 until such time as they extract digit. Not really helpful when the 'van cannot be SORNED and cannot really be used.

Rant over, A darkened room awaits.

PS Can anyone on here think of a reason why the vehicle in question has to have a current VED when applying for either Up/downrating or transfer of a personised number plate.

Update on this (unless I've done it further on)

We received the uprated MAM with everything on it correct on the 2nd Feb.
Downside. The Bu&&ers charged me for March at the £270 rate meaning it cost me 1/12th of about £100 for that privilege.

 

[Pausim]

It was actually a post from Minxy Girl on this thread which originally suggested going down the complaint route.


I agree - after all, the people in charge don't know there's a problem unless someone tells them about it.

Then my thanks to Minxy Girl

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