Increasing numbers of vehicle owners across Limerick are doing their motor tax business online, according to a new survey by Limerick City and County Council.
Statistics obtained for October 2014 indicate that 53% of motor tax payments made in Limerick were carried out online compared to 45% during the same month last year.
"The growing trend towards the use of online motor tax services ties in with ongoing efforts by the country's 31 Local Authorities to encourage customers and businesses to move away from cheque and cash payments," explained Tom Gilligan, Director of Finance, Motor Tax and ICT with Limerick City and County Council.
He added: "The increased use of online services has enabled the Limerick Motor Tax Department to keep waiting times at Lissanalta House, Merchants Quay and Newcastle West to a minimum during 2014. Waiting times could be further reduced by members of the public choosing to use our online tax service which is operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at www.motortax.ie. Customers may also avail of the Motor Tax Department’s postal service."
Mr. Gilligan noted that many of those surveyed while renewing their motor tax at Lissanalta House said they continue to do so "out of habit" rather than an inability to do so online. "More than 50% of those surveyed indicated that they would consider doing their business online in the future, which is something I would encourage in an effort to further improve waiting times and overall service delivery," he stated.
Mr. Gilligan continued: "Bearing this in mind, we are now inviting customers to process their Motor Taxation applications at the main cash desk of County Hall in Dooradoyle between 09:15am and 4.00pm. This additional payment facility will ensure that those without internet access can also apply online and by doing so help to reduce waiting times at our three Motor Tax Offices."