Backlog will hit passports and travel

The wildcat postal strikes may have been halted, but a huge backlog will hamper the service for weeks. Here we look at how the dispute is affecting London.

Parking fines: London drivers who fail to pay a fine within 14 days will be charged double by local boroughs, costing them £100. Some London boroughs who reduce fines paid within a fortnight will show "sympathy".

Congestion charging: Many of the 30,000 people posted penalty notices each week will not receive them in time to pay the reduced £40 rate. Transport for London says it will take the strike "into account", but urges motorists to pay on line or use a private courier.

Travel: The Passport Office has extended its two-week processing promise to three weeks. People who need documents urgently are being advised to "treat it as lost in the post" and apply again.

The Association of British Travel Agents says thousands of holidaymakers and business travellers are without tickets days before their journey. Some operators have been re-issuing tickets for collection at check-in.

Banks: Customers are being hit by late payment charges and interest penalties, while tens of thousands of new cards are being delayed. Banks such as Barclays say automatic late payment fines should be refunded, and asks customers who normally pay by cheque to pay on line, by telephone or via the nearest branch.

DVLA: Missing licences, tax renewals and vehicle registration forms. This will be compounded when drivers send insurance documents by post.

Hospitals: Administrative staff are working overtime, phoning patients with appointment times and important test results.

Couriers: Leading motorcycle firm Courier Services is hiring more staff after a record 2,500 deliveries on Friday, despite their costing far more than the post. A bike delivery from Kensington to the West End costs £12.25.