The rest of Great Britain’s drivers are gaining an unfair advantage when it comes to car tax renewals over their Northern Irish counterparts say the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).
Whilst it is possible for the Northern Irish population to obtain a dog license on line, they are unable to purchase car tax and the available phone service is limited. Simon Hamilton, Strangford MLA, stated that with the advances in technology making services more readily available in both the private and public sector the current system is an anomaly.
He said that the DVLA, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, needed to invest in up to date technology in Northern Ireland, as they have for the remainder of the nation. Significant investment was made in an advanced IT system which means renewal of car tax is possible on-line, as well as providing insurance policy details, car registration numbers and payment details.
The NIE, Northern Ireland Executive, and local government bodies now have a range of services which can be applied for on-line, including rates and benefits available, yet there is nothing in place for renewal of car tax.
The current phone system is only capable of handling 500 calls a day at most and the telephone number cannot be advertised.
Additionally, renewing car tax in post offices is not available in every post office which makes the process even more difficult for people living in the more distant countryside regions. The networks viability would be enhanced and customer service improved if car tax renewal services were made available in a larger number of post offices.
The Assembly will be faced with the proposition that motorists in Northern Ireland should have the option of renewing their car tax by phone and on-line, in line with the remainder of the UK.