Concerns have been raised about delays in issuing vehicle tax discs as the island transitions away from Post Office counter services and towards a fully digital system.
A resident told Manx.News they were unable to complete their vehicle tax online after the government website repeatedly failed to load.
They went to the Vehicle Test Centre to complete the process in person, only to be told the application would take up to three weeks to process, and that the vehicle should not be used until the tax disc arrives, despite payment already being taken.
“There were half a dozen people ahead of me who can’t do online,” they said. “Many members of the elderly community don’t use computers.”
They added that the previous Post Office system had processed the same transaction “instantly”.
The End of Counter Services
The issues come just days after driver and vehicle transactions at Isle of Man Post Office counters were withdrawn as part of a Department of Infrastructure modernisation programme.
From March 31, services such as vehicle tax, change of ownership and registration update have been moved to services.gov.im, with the government saying the shift will reduce queues and unnecessary travel.
Residents can still complete all transactions in person at the Vehicle Test Centre, though some processes will remain counter‑only until August 2026.
The government says the move away from Post Office counters will save around £675,000 per year.
Manx.News has contacted the DoI for comment.
