ELECTRONIC relicensing for fleets operating more than 1,000 vehicles will be launched in March following successful trials of the new computer technology. And, according to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, the hi-tech system will be the catalyst for much wider use of electronic data interchange (EDI) throughout the motor industry.

The DVLA is preparing to take on its first new clients in March and is currently processing applications from 18 of the UK's leading fleets. Cowie Interleasing is already aboard, after assisting the DVLA with the system's initial development and helping set up a full scale pilot scheme which started last summer.

ACL, Masterdrive, BCH and Automotive Leasing will be the first clients to go live in March, followed by PHH Vehicle Management Services and several other leading fleets over the following months.

The system works by using EDI links with fleet operators to remind them of which vehicles need relicensing. The fleet operator responds electronically with a list of vehicles to be taxed and pays by direct debit. DVLA then prints the licences and issues them before the old ones expire.