MOTORISTS in the Isle of Man will be able to renew their vehicle tax online as part of a pilot scheme launched by the Department of Infrastructure.

Starting this month the majority of Island motorists will have the option of paying for their vehicle licence online when their reminders are issued.

The pilot scheme will apply to motorists who show up on the Motor Insurance Database - a database which holds the registration numbers of more than 70 per cent of Manx registered vehicles.

The information on this database has been provided by motorists' insurance providers and will be checked fortnightly to allow those on the database the option of renewing online.

Motorists who are on the database will be sent a code on their reminder letter which will allow them to use the online payment facility for one month. Anyone paying online will then have their tax disc sent to them within three working days.

Infrastructure Minister David Cretney MHK said: "I am very pleased that an on-line vehicle licence payment facility has been developed which provides people with the choice of renewing their vehicle licence over the internet. The options of using the local Post Office or using the postal service will remain."

The department has said it has encouraged all insurance companies to register the vehicles they insure on the Motor Insurance Database and said it has plans to change primary legislation to make this mandatory – although this is subject to Tynwald approval.

Motorists can check the Motor Insurance Database to find out if their vehicle's information is registered by visiting www.askmid.com.

What do you think? Is this a good idea? Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment below: