5:35 pm, December 15, 2011
THE DVLA’s consultation to close local offices around the UK is sad – but it could be an opportunity for dealers.
That’s the opinion of SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt who thinks the review of DVLA office’s rolls could be an opportunity for the motor trade.
Everitt told Car Dealer that although the potential closures would be sad news, some of the functions offered at the offices could be taken up by the franchised dealers.
‘Reading the consultation document more closely reveals that the DVLA seems open to let what they call intermediaries taking on some of the jobs DVLA offices do,’ Everitt explained.
‘It would obviously be very beneficial for dealers to be able to offer customers the option to re-tax their vehicle of change their cherished number plate in their showrooms.’
The DVLA plans to make the current services available at local offices available online, but it admits that doesn’t suit everyone.
In its consultation document, it says: ‘The DVLA recognises that there is still potential for growth in existing electronic services. There are those who, for a number of reasons, cannot access these channels or who choose not to.
‘This means making them available as self-service facilities – where the customer can carry out driver and vehicle transactions electronically using their home internet or telephone.
‘Or through one or more intermediaries potentially available through a range of outlets – these will allow customers to transact with the DVLA through a front office counter service provider who will make facilities available and help the customer use the DVLA’s electronic services.’
Everitt believes this is a great opportunity to add value to the offering of the franchised dealer network and has urged dealers and manufacturers to consider the possibility of providing customers with this service.
