Mercedes-Benz Vans UK is reminding all drivers and business owners running vans that the paper counterpart to the photocard driving licence has yesterday been abolished, amid fears it could affect small businesses.
All of the information contained on the paper counterpart, such a penalty points and which vehicles they are able to drive, is now replaced by an online service, which puts the onus back on to the driver to make their information accessible.
To do this, the driver must choose to share his or her licence with the person requesting to see it, via the driving licence section at Gov.uk, which will generate a check code.
This code can then be shared with people who need to see the details. A summary document can also be printed.
However, on the first day of the system, there were reports of the site not working properly and drivers not able to access their information.
Steve Bridge, Managing Director, Mercedes-Benz Vans, said: “These changes represent another upheaval for the motorist, and my fear is that it will be the small business owners that are once again hit hardest.
“Drivers need to remember that they must get their checking code or printable summary in advance of being asked the information. If you run a business, this is the responsibility of your driver to sort, but remember you have final responsibility if you put a driver in a company vehicle and they do not have the correct licence.
“However, it will be a short term pain for a long term gain. The money saved from scrapping the paper licence should be better spent elsewhere.”