The move comes as part of the Road Transport Red Tape Challenge, which was launched by prime minister David Cameron in April and aims to reduce what the Department for Transport describes as “unnecessary, burdensome and overcomplicated regulation”.
In all 142 regulations will be scrapped or revised, including phasing out the paper counterpart driving licence, only issuing V5C registration documents to fleets when necessary and scrapping insurance certificates.
Transport Secretary Justine Greening said: "Motorists shouldn’t have to keep numerous bits of paper just to prove they can drive and have bought insurance – we live in digital age and we need to embrace that.
"Reducing the number of rules and regulations in our life is absolutely vital to removing barriers to economic growth and increasing individual freedoms.”
Other changes include the scrapping of annual SORN renewals, removing the need for drivers to prove they have insurance when applying for tax and a limited exemption in drivers’ hours for Territorial Army members.
Leasing trade body the BVRLA welcomed the initiative. Boss John Lewis, who took part in the DfT’s debate as a representative of the fleet sector, said the changes concerning registration documents, driving licences and insurance certificates would “remove paperwork and administrative costs” for fleets.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said the moves would “cut through layers of bureaucracy” and lighten the load for commercial vehicle operators.
