RAY MALLON has highlighted one of the ruses that the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has used to extract revenue from unsuspecting drivers (Echo, June 12), I would like to mention another one.

A normal old-style paper driving licence would last the life of the driver unless defaced or lost.

The new ones display a photograph which must be renewed every ten years at a cost of £20, plus the cost of the photo.

It is NOT the licence that has expired, but only the photograph.

I understand that photos do need updating at intervals and I have no argument with that. But why, when the DVLA introduced them did it not make provision for a free photo upgrade or at least only apply a small administration charge – it was the DVLA’s choice to change the system.

It is blatant profiteering and not entirely honest in the way they word the letter, ie: if you don’t send a recent photo then you are driving illegally etc.

Mr Mallon, please add my continuing disgust at the underhand methods the DVLA and this Government are using (by subterfuge) to extract revenue from a gullible public.

M Bain, Newton Aycliffe.