MOTORISTS in the Bolton area are being warned ahead of the abolition of the vehicle tax disc which takes effect from October 1.

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) is hoping to limit confusion among driver about the new road tax rules.

Car owners will still need to buy tax to keep their vehicles on the road and they will still receive reminders from the DVLA, but the paper disc will not need to be displayed on the windscreen, although it will not be unlawful to do so.

Drivers can continue paying using the previous methods, but they will also be able to pay by continuous direct debit — eliminating the risk of forgetting to pay and driving an untaxed car.

IAM chief executive, Simon Best, said: “As with all new systems, it will take a little time to get used to. But the move to allow people to set up a direct debit will mean greater peace of mind for many, so your vehicle will never be untaxed.

“However, moving more of these processes online will make things very difficult for those without regular internet access – as ever, the poor and elderly could lose out.”

More information is available at the website gov.uk/government/news/vehicle-tax-changes