Labour confirms new number plate and medical licence rules as MPs blast DVLA delays

Hemma Visavadia
Thu, 23 Apr 2026 16:50:24 +0000

Labour has confirmed it is considering tougher rules on number plates as MPs warned of rising crime and ongoing failures at the DVLA.

Transport Minister Simon Lightwood told the House of Commons today the Government is "reviewing the registered number plate supplier scheme" while also "considering a new British standard for plates".

He added ministers are "exploring how technology can identify illegal plates more effectively". The move follows growing concern about cloned or "ghost" plates being used to evade police.

But the debate quickly widened into a broader attack on the DVLA's performance, with MPs raising concerns about delays, backlogs and a lack of clear reform.

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Conservative MP Gareth Bacon accused ministers of failing to deliver on promised modernisation, warning there is "a gap between the rhetoric and the actual delivery".

He warned that without a clear strategy, improvements would stall. "How can we ever expect to see improvements in efficiency and service for the customer?"

Mr Lightwood acknowledged serious problems within the DVLA, particularly around medical licensing delays, which have prevented drivers from travelling on UK roads while their application is being reviewed.

He told MPs: "Drivers' medical services have been a source of significant concern for members across this House and, more importantly, for our constituents."

"When a licence is delayed, the impact is immediate, and it's personal," adding that "people can face lost income, isolation, missed appointments and prolonged uncertainty."

Despite the criticism, Mr Lightwood insisted progress is now being made, adding the Government were going to put things right.

He pointed to the scale of demand, noting how in 2024 to 2025 alone, the DVLA made more than 830,000 medical licensing decisions, but stressed that those decisions cannot be rushed".

Outlining reforms, he explained since September 2025, all new and renewed medical cases have been processed through a single modern digital casework system, and confirmed on March 31, the DVLA launched its new digital medical services platform.

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Raising wider concerns about finances and oversight, Mr Bacon warned that the Government's promised efficiency savings, "but it's not clear how it plans to deliver them," and criticised official answers containing "inaccurate information about the requirement for legislation".

Crime linked to number plates emerged as a key issue during the debate, with Labour MP Sarah Coombes having earlier highlighted the problem.

Backing her concerns, Mr Bacon said weak penalties were "madness", adding that current legislation "doesn't properly reflect the seriousness of this crime".

He warned offenders are not simply breaking minor rules, telling MPs this is "express criminal activity, often to facilitate other crimes, and it should be treated as such".

The Conservative MP also pointed to what he described as a major loophole in vehicle sales. "It's an oddity that it's much harder to scrap a car than it is to buy one," he said. "To scrap a vehicle, you need ID, whereas to buy one, you just turn up and pay in cash."

He warned this creates opportunities for crime, adding: "It's a gateway for thousands of uninsured vehicles to be used for criminal purposes, and it makes no sense."

Calling for tighter checks, he urged ministers to act, asking "Why don't we tighten up the rules?" and suggesting: "If a person wants to buy a car, at least, they have to record their driving licence."

The minister admitted standards had fallen short and the Government is clear that the service levels need improving.