No checks on motor tax applications

Random checks are not being carried out to validate the insurance details of drivers applying for motor tax renewals under a new online system, despite Government officials saying the exclusion of such checks “is not a tenable option”.

Since the introduction of the hi-tech system on March 1, all applicants - whether applying over the internet or through motor tax offices around the country no longer have to provide evidence of having a car insurance certificate. Instead they just have to supply the name of their insurer, policy number and date of expiry.

A spokesperson for the Department of Environment confirmed yesterday no such random checks are being carried out at the moment. However, she said the issues relating to motor insurance rest with the Department of Transport.