IT'S now easier and quick to renew your Road Fund Tax disc on-line, or by telephone. However, if you pay by credit card you will be charged an extra £2.50! This is the suggestion offered by the DVLA - just visit their website www.direct.gov.uk/taxdisc or telephone 0870 850 4444.

Within five days, post services working normally, drivers will receive their new tax disc. The DVLA, from their database will check to see if the vehicle has an MOT Certificate and appropriate insurance cover.

However, and here is the flaw in the system. Renewals of Tax discs are issued on a 1st day of a month of the month basis and indicating the expiry date. Thus a person can offer to renew his/her Road Fund Tax disc on the 1st day of a month and their MOT Certificate runs out a few days after, or during the period of the Road Fund Tax Disc. Likewise with car insurance, although normally insurance cover is provided for a twelve month period, this too could expire within days of renewing the Tax disc.

The DVLA has the answer. They will scan their database on a 7/24 basis and check each vehicle's MOT and insurance details. No current MOT for the remaining Tax Disc period or insurance, then drivers will be invited to renew their tax disc at the nearest Post Office branch or DVLA local office - and provide the appropriate paperwork.

I predict a lot of drivers will be asked to visit their post office - and at a time when post offices are being closed.

RAY ANGEL, Southampton.