Call for Northern Ireland online car tax renewals

http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/uk-northern-ireland-15421051

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DUP MLA Simon Hamilton has called for drivers in Northern Ireland to be allowed to renew their car tax online.

Speaking ahead of a Stormont debate on the issue, the Strangford MLA said that it was wrong people could renew a dog licence online but not car tax.

He added that investment made in the system in England and Wales had not been matched in Northern Ireland.

He also criticised the phone system, which he said could take just 500 calls a day to an unadvertised number.

"Furthermore, people cannot tax their car in every post office in Northern Ireland creating a disadvantage for many rural dwellers," Mr Hamilton said.

"Making car tax renewal facilities available in more post offices could not only improve customer service but also enhance the viability of the network .

"As technology advances more and more this anomaly with car tax will look even more ridiculous."