DVLNI puts Fujitsu in the driving seat

A new vehicle licensing information system looks set to improve the way in which motor tax queries and applications are processed.

Part of the drive towards e-government, the Northern Ireland Vehicle Information System (NIVIS), which was developed and implemented by Fujitsu Services, will enable Driver and Vehicle Licensing Northern Ireland (DVLNI) to hold and process all vehicle registration information centrally.

The system provides access to local offices and will facilitate the renewal of licences in Post Offices. However, motorists should benefit too, as the organisation rolls out telephone re-licensing and moves towards greater Internet availability.

Trevor Evans, Director of Development in DVLNI, said: "Northern Ireland drivers will continue to enjoy a quick and efficient service as a result of this new technology. Having centralised access to all vehicle records also means that our organisation is better placed to deal with an environment of constantly changing legislation.

"The investment in this new system means that DVLNI is better placed to deal with an environment of constantly changing legislation and to continue to improve service to customers."

Changing legislation and government targets, in particular the introduction of graduated motor tax which is linked to the level of a vehicle's CO2 emissions, has driven forward the investment by DVLNI.

It is also intended that the new system will be the platform for the introduction of other major initiatives including 'statutory off-the-road notification' which will help in the fight against road tax dodgers.

Clare McElduff, Fujitsu project manager, said: "Fujitsu has substantial experience in systems integration and software development, which were key factors in this project. Our long-standing partnership with DVLNI was a crucial factor in the successful development of the NIVIS project."

Fujitsu has worked closely with DVLNI over the last seven years on a range of projects, such as document imaging for over two million forms received annually by the organisation and the development of the plastic photo card driving license, introduced in April 1999.

(SP)