The BVRLA shared a frank and productive exchange of views during a meeting with Transport Minister Mike Penning this week.

As the minister responsible for the motoring agencies, Penning was very receptive to the association’s suggestions on how the work of the DVLA and VOSA could be streamlined and modernised.

“It was very encouraging to hear that the government shares our view on how these agencies can improve the way they deal with their corporate customers,” said BVRLA chief executive, John Lewis, who attended the meeting along with head of legal services, Jay Parmar.

“The minister made it clear that the DVLA must move quickly to drop its reliance on paperwork and start delivering efficient, electronic-based services.

“He also agreed with us that VOSA should carry on exploring the role industry can play in improving vehicle testing and compliance - thus enabling more targeted enforcement.”

The association hopes that the meeting with Mr Penning, who also addressed the BVRLA Annual Dinner earlier this month, could become a regular fixture.

In the meantime it will continue to push its messages through its attendance at the Department for Transport’s Motorists Forum, VOSA’s ‘Stanmore Group’ and the DVLA’s Industry Liaison Group.