To Let - the Norwich DVLA office in Prince of Wales Road is one of 39 local offices across the country, all of which will be closed under current plans. Photo: Bill Smith

Staff at the DVLA office in Norwich are walking out today in a row over the planned closure of the office.

Fifteen people are at risk of losing their jobs at the Prince of Wales-based service in plans which will see the office close in October 2013.

It is one of 39 regional offices to be scrapped, affecting more than 1,200 people nationwide, in an attempt to save £26m-a-year.

The government says it hopes some of the staff will be able to re-locate to the DVLA’s Swansea head office - more than 300 miles away from Norwich

The PCS union has already delivered a 72,000 name petition opposing the closures to the Department for Transport.

A union spokesman said: “Our petition was signed by members of the public, motor traders, representatives of motor trade federations and haulage and bus companies, and representatives of historic vehicle clubs.

“We’re very concerned about the lack of awareness among people that the offices are set to close or even that a consultation has been carried out.’’

The DVLA said it could not guarantee a business-as-usual service because of the strike and asked people to avoid travelling to any DVLA office today.

Contact centres will be operating a reduced service and callers were warned to expect longer waiting times.

The organisation suggested conducting transactions by other means such as electronically or via the Post Office.