Dear Mr Jackson

I write further to Mrs Manser-Thomas's letter of 5 September 2008 informing you that the Agency would undertake an internal review of the response provided to your Freedom of Information (FOI) request initially made in an e-mail of 11 July 2008, and clarified in further e-mails of 6 August and 9 September 2008.

I have reviewed the case and considered your request for the release of information. Your request of the 11 July 2008 read:

“Can you please tell me what information DVLA holds in relation to dealing with drivers of no fixed abode and vehicles registered to same.”

I have established that when this request was actually received, it was interpreted as a request for information relating to the recording of information of drivers of no fixed abode, and those individuals specific vehicles. With hindsight, it may have been prudent to have sought clarification of your initial request as there appears to have been some confusion as to what information you actually require. The Agency's driver and vehicle operations are very separate and distinct areas. The vehicle register contains details of all vehicles that are used or kept on the public road and the Agency is charged with maintaining an accurate vehicle register for law enforcement, road safety and revenue collection purposes. The driver register contains details of all qualified vehicle drivers, including their medical fitness and eligibility to drive vehicles of different types.

As the registers are held independently and for different purposes, the criteria for recording address information differs both at the creation of a driver and vehicle record, and when later changes are notified / identified. Also, a change on one register does not automatically effect a change on the other. There are many reasons for this, including that not all drivers are the keepers of vehicles, and that many vehicles are registered to commercial concerns rather than individual drivers.

Therefore, can you please clarify if you require information with regards to the recording of drivers of no fixed abode and / or the recording keepers of vehicles of no fixed abode. Alternatively, if you believe it would be beneficial to discuss your request, please contact Mrs Jackie Manser-Thomas, * 01792 765099, as she is conversant with this issue. Mrs Manser-Thomas will advise me on issues relating to clarification of your request.

Please note that if I do not receive appropriate clarification of your information requirements within three months from the date of this letter, then I will consider your request closed.

If you wish to discuss any of the above, please contact me. Please remember to quote the reference number above in any future communications.

Yours sincerely

Steve Alexander

Head of Customer Services and Compliance

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