DVSA takes flexible approach to Brexit

The DVSA said it would ensure licensing functions and driver and vehicle standards would remain unaffected in the event of a no-deal withdrawal from the EU.

In its business plan for 2019/20, the enforcement and licensing agency said it was adopting “a flexible approach” to its plans to respond to Brexit while the details remain to be confirmed by parliament.

It said: “We have taken forward a wide range of workstreams to ensure that the UK’s prepared for all possible eventualities, including no deal.

“This work ensures that essential functions such as driver and vehicle standards, licensing, operator licensing, and vehicle type approval continue to run smoothly after the UK leaves the EU and that effective enforcement is maintained to keep unsafe vehicles and drivers off Great Britain’s roads.

“The agencies are working closely with each other and across Whitehall to ensure that effective solutions are implemented in these areas.”

The DVSA’s business plan added: “Specifically, DVSA continues to ensure delivery of the provisions of the road haulage permits and Trailer Registration Act as it applies to the agency.

“A particular focus for DVSA is the introduction and delivery of international road haulage permits and other associated documentation to enable UK commercial vehicles and drivers to continue travelling into the EU.

“DVSA’s also putting in place arrangements to ensure that we can continue the same level of compliance checks on international and domestic vehicles and drivers during and after EU exit.”

The plan also outlined various targets for the forthcoming year, which include 98% of confirmed reservations to be honoured at authorised testing facilities; detecting 28,000 serious roadworthiness defects and traffic offences and a commitment to promote and test awareness of vulnerable road users in the Driver CPC.

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