South Down SDLP MLA Seán Rogers has spoken out as the 30 September saw the eradication of the long standing tradition of the paper tax disk.
Mr Rogers said: “For the first time ever tax disks are now electronic. From the 1 October members of the public have been afforded the opportunity to apply for their vehicle tax disk online, over the telephone and at the post office.
“The online option has been a disaster. I had a number of constituents approach my office who attempted on the eve of the first of October to tax their cars online. This wasn’t possible with the screen freezing and crashing all evening. Many of these individuals had to take the decision to leave the house on the first of October at 7am for work with their vehicle untaxed or seek an alternative mode of transport.
“Surely before Tax Offices were closed and local staff laid off DVLA would have ensured that the computer system was fit for purpose.
I have made representations to DVLA in this regard and would encourage local people to support their local post office and the contribution it makes to the local economy and community.”
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