Trying to get drivers not to appeal DVLA decision

The request was partially successful.

Dear Department for Transport,

FoI request 1: Please kindly provide a copy of your rules to DVLA indicating whether they are permitted to ask a driver not to appeal a decision they have made.

FoI request 2: Please kindly provide a copy of what action is to be taken against DVLA staff found to be engaging in an attempt to dissuade drivers from entering the appeals process.

This comes as we have received a copy of an email from a third party showing a DVLA staff member asking a driver not to appeal a decision it has made AND another email from a higher ranking staff member trying to cover the matter up by claiming no person sent the email.

Yours faithfully,

Lee Jefferson
for Stop UK lies and Corruption.

Thank you for your e-mail of 7 June, requesting information under the
Freedom of Information Act 2000.  I have pasted your questions below

 

It is not clear what recorded information you are seeking, nor is it clear
which business area you are referring to.  The DVLA will operate an
appeals / complaints process for all transactions, it is the prerogative
of the customer should they wish to challenge a decision made by the
DVLA. 

 

Dear Department for Transport,

 

FoI request 1: Please kindly provide a copy of your rules to DVLA
indicating whether they are permitted to ask a driver not to appeal a
decision they have made.

 

FoI request 2: Please kindly provide a copy of what action is to be taken
against DVLA staff found to be engaging in an attempt to dissuade drivers
from entering the appeals process.

 

This comes as we have received a copy of an email from a third party
showing a DVLA staff member asking a driver not to appeal a decision it
has made AND another email from a higher ranking staff member trying to
cover the matter up by claiming no person sent the email.

 

************************************************************************************
Correspondents should note that all communications to DVLA may be
automatically logged, monitored and/or recorded for lawful purposes.

Please visit [1]www.gov.uk/browse/driving for government information on
all aspects of motoring, ranging from log books and driving licences to
driving tests and vehicle tax.
************************************************************************************

References

Visible links
1. http://www.gov.uk/browse/driving

Dear Department for Transport,

Thanks for your request dated 9th June seeking clarification of our FoI requests below. We respectfully request the rules which DVLA staff must follow after DVLA issue a driver with a fine, concerning the driver's decision on whether to appeal the fine. In the scenario below, we have received email evidence of a DVLA staff member trying to dissuade a driver from appealing their decision for the 'offence' of failing to inform the DVLA that they are no longer the registered keeper of a vehicle within 4 weeks. In this case they had evidence that the DVLA actually received the notice of change of ownership in writing but then lost it without processing it. For the purposes of our request we require recorded information concerning the rules surrounding trying to influence the driver onto whether to enter an appeal for the fine they issued in the above scenario. I hope this information is sufficient to gather information on the rules in this area without being too narrow.

FoI request 1: Please kindly provide a copy of your rules to DVLA indicating whether they are permitted to ask a driver not to appeal a decision they have made.

FoI request 2: Please kindly provide a copy of what action is to be taken against DVLA staff found to be engaging in an attempt to dissuade drivers from entering the appeals process.

This comes as we have received a copy of an email from a third party showing a DVLA staff member asking a driver not to appeal a decision it has made AND another email from a higher ranking staff member trying to cover the matter up by claiming no person sent the email.

Yours faithfully,

Lee Jefferson
for Stop UK lies and Corruption.

Dear Mr Jefferson

Thank you for your e-mail requesting information. The DVLA are dealing with your request under the terms of The Freedom of Information Act 2000.

Your request has been given reference number: FOIR9882.

You should expect to receive a reply to your request by 7 July.

If you have any further questions or enquiries on this request please quote the reference number.

Regards

Freedom of Information Team
Strategy, Policy and Communications Directorate
DVLA | Swansea | SA6 7JL

‘We can always spot an untaxed car.  Tax it or lose it. Go to www.gov.uk/vehicletax’.

show quoted sections

2 Attachments

Please see attached reply to your Freedom of Information request,
FOIR9882.

Regards,

 

Freedom of Information Team (FOI)

Strategy, Policy and Communications Directorate

DVLA | Swansea | SA6 7JL

 

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Our online services are the quickest and easiest way to transact with us.
Go to [2]gov.uk/dvla now.

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Ewch i gov.uk/dvla-cymraeg nawr.

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************************************************************************************
Correspondents should note that all communications to DVLA may be
automatically logged, monitored and/or recorded for lawful purposes.

Please visit [6]www.gov.uk/browse/driving for government information on
all aspects of motoring, ranging from log books and driving licences to
driving tests and vehicle tax.
************************************************************************************

References

Visible links
1. http://www.gov.uk/dvla
2. http://www.gov.uk/dvla
3. http://www.twitter.com/dvlagovuk
4. http://www.facebook.com/dvlagovuk
5. http://www.youtube.com/dvlagov
6. http://www.gov.uk/browse/driving