MP's tax disc error (and blames RM and DVLA)

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/ ... disc_error" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

TOP MP John Leech, who speaks on transport issues in parliament, has had to take his car off the road after being caught with an out-of-date tax disc.

The Manchester Withington politician was spotted driving his blue Mini Cooper in his constituency with a disc that expired last month.

It is illegal to drive without a valid tax disc.

The MP, who is the Liberal Democrats' spokesman on transport, was snapped as he parked up outside his constituency office last week.

He has put it down to an 'oversight' and says the first he knew that the tax had expired was when he was contacted by his press officer yesterday. Mr Leech told the MEN he had since parked his car on private land until he renews the duty.

He added that he never received the reminder letter usually sent by the DVLA to motorists when a vehicle's tax is up for renewal.

The politician, who will have to rely on public transport to do his constituency work while the matter is resolved, said: "I wasn't aware it was out of date because I hadn't had a reminder.

"I think it's probably fair to say that's what normally alerts people that their disc is about to expire.

"I've taken my car off the road and I'm in the process of renewing my tax. Unfortunately the systems in place are not very helpful and I've spent a lot of time on an automated telephone system.

"Clearly I don't have a valid tax disc and that is ultimately my fault but I do feel a bit annoyed that I've not received a reminder. I'd like to think people recognise I'm not just stupid enough not to renew my car tax."

Mr Leech said he was finding the renewal system `a complete nightmare' and was being delayed because his car log book is in London and he is waiting for new insurance documents to arrive.

He said he believed the reminder letter may have got lost in the post and added: "I will be making a serious complaint to the DVLA and the Royal Mail because it's completely unacceptable. I can't do my job if I can't get around to see people."

A spokesman for the DVLA declined to comment on the case.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

He has put it down to an 'oversight' and says the first he knew that the tax had expired was when he was contacted by his press officer yesterday.

Look at the Disc itself it has the expiry date on it

The politician, who will have to rely on public transport to do his constituency work while the matter is resolved, said: "I wasn't aware it was out of date because I hadn't had a reminder.

Well look at the disc

"I think it's probably fair to say that's what normally alerts people that their disc is about to expire.

So does looking at the tax disc.

[swoosta]

I'm sure the police will believe me if I said his excuse

[andy2007]

First of all: Why hasn't his car been clamped or impounded?
That's what would have happened to any of us, who was stupid enough to let their Tax Disk expire! I'll tell you why: NEPATISM!!!!!

As for the problems that he claims to have renewing the Tax Disk: He could turn up at the DVLA Local Office. If there's anyone in his Constituancy reading this. Here's the address, and a Link to their Website: http://www.dvla.gov.uk/contactus/localo ... ffice.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Trafford House
Chester Road
Manchester
M32 0SL

They were able to help me out, when I lost my Insurance Certificate, and couldn't get a replacement in time. It took all morning, as only the senior Managers have access to the neccessary checks, to prove that I had Insurance (they can also check if you are the Registered Keeper, if neccessary).

Also: He does have a point about trying to sort this type of thing out over the Phone. But you can order your Road Fund License on-line now, and it's posted to you. I've used that system, for my last 2 Tax Disks, and had no problems at all. But as he doesn't have all his documents with him. He'd be better going to the DVLALO.

No more excuses Mr. Leech! We all pay our Road Tax. So should you!!!!!

[brothermagrew]

The Lib Dem spokesman on Transport has been caught red handed and is now crying wolf! Just like us outdoor delivery posties he should be doing regular vehicle checks.

[oypostie]

and he is waiting for new insurance documents to arrive.

So was his insurance out of date as well or just lost in the post

[tiredwalker]

Last month DVLA sent load of reminders to people as normal, followed by extra reminders giving a few days grace to get your road tax. What a coincidence he did not get either letter. Once again if in doubt blame RM.

[BELIAL]

Expenses ain't what they used to be

[Big Daz]

How horrid,that the birth place of my paternal grandfather has a MP like this prat!

Then again I doubt a Tory or New Labour would be even better!

[Wessex]

No doubt it wouldnt be in the public interest to prosecute.Now where have I heard that before....?

[andy2007]

and he is waiting for new insurance documents to arrive.

So was his insurance out of date as well or just lost in the post

I was told if you aint taxed you aint insured? I dont drive so dont know for sure.

He may have lost his certificate. That happened to me once, which is why I suggested going to the DVLADO. They can check whether you're covered or not.

No, that's the MOT you're thinking of. If that expires, you're only insured to and from a pre-booked MOT Test.

[k979aaa]

Maybe it the reminder went too his second or third home and as such his tenants did not pass it on too him?.

[POSTMAN]

We've got one of his mates just registered.

[Big Daz]

Not quite postman

The liberal party and the liberal democrat party are two separate entities, not all Liberal's joined the new party following the merger with the SDP.

[Big Daz]

http://liverpoolliberalparty.motime.com/archive/2009-04" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;