Forum Topic

Computer says No.

I made a mistake when  applying on line to renewal my tax disc as per the renewal reminder.  Absentmindedly I applied for Sorn (statutory off road notification).  I realised my mistake but the computer won't let me rectify it.  Neither does the automated helpline let me rectify it.  I've even tried sending a note on the feedback box on the computer - surprise, there's a technical hitch on this!  Today I received confirmation by post of my SORN!  Any ideas what I do now?  Are we ruled by computers?  Is HAL alive and well?

Barbara Yerolemou ● 5650d14 Comments

The Post Office in WHSmith in Ealing are good.

Mark Yates ● 5649d

Barbara Hi,Let me share with you my two experiences. Thrown in with the second hand car deal was 6mths free tax. I'd forgot to log the expiry date onto the calender and my brain couldn't cope with this unusual duration. DVLA omitted to send me a reminder.(Are they stolen in the post?) Result found myself 4 weeks overdue. £1000 fine heart attack suicide? I went to Wimbledon with my wife ready to say my last goodbyes. Well surprise the girl(angel) behind the counter rushed to issue me with a tax disc and had to be prompted into charging me for the 4 weeks unpaid period. An experience I will never forget. Perceval House Parking Services please note. The second was a customer in hospitalwith a tax disc about to expire. Whatever the Welsh is "the computer said no" on the phone. Ealing had just launched their "crushem and ask later service" so I was keen to seek guidance and protection for my sick customer's vehicle. Our discussion would be used for training purposes worldwide because the handset melted at my end and the Second Severn Crossing was closed and the Pope's lunch was disturbed. I ended up finding keys and taking and driving away to an off road destination owned by a famous person who would go down with me for receiving stolen goods. We failed to Sorn but safeguarded the car from the crusher.Sadly my customer died in hospital.So there we have it "The good and the bad dealing with the ugly".

Arthur Breens ● 5649d

NOT Acton!Recently didn't even open one morning as they had lost the keys...and even when open, wholly hopeless.Online is great as long as you take a deep breath and don't rush it.

Sara Nathan ● 5649d

I owe Mark a drink! Hooray.  I spoke to a Welsh Emma, very helpful she was too. And I waited no more than a minute.  I can renew online on the 1st November which is the day after my tax disk runs out or present myself with all documents - logbook, insurance, MOT - at a local post office two days before my tax disk ends.  So what shall I do,folks, try online again or post office? And if post office - which one, Acton or Ealing?

Barbara Yerolemou ● 5649d

Or refuse to engage at all - mostly the machine can't cope, thinks you are an idiot, aged crone and connects you to a real human quite sharpish. Just pretend you don't have a touch tone phone!

Sara Nathan ● 5649d

I hd to contact the DVLA last week rgarding my car log book - used the number given no problem - spoke to a nice Welsh lady.

J Smith ● 5649d

Barbara, Shame the nearer Ruislip centre was closed but this link gives the various local offices where you could probably sort out the new tax at the same time. http://www.dft.gov.uk/dvla/contactus/localoffices/findnear/england.aspx

Robert Darke ● 5649d

if u get through to the automated system, just keep pressing the # keyit confuses the computer and transfer you to a "human"I always do it with any automated telephone, always works

Mark Yates ● 5649d

No sorry F Stone but once you ring that number you are directed to another electronic number which refuses to accept me.  And its an automat.Mark - I will try your numbers tomorrow when I've built up some strength.  They sound promising. Oh for human contact!

Barbara Yerolemou ● 5649d

I had to call the DVLA few weeks ago. Drove me crazy with all the touch tone services.I found these numbers via the say no to 0870 numbers website.I actually spoke to a real person aswellSwitchboard: 01792 782341Local offices switchboard : 01792 794200

Mark Yates ● 5649d

Barbara - if you look at the DVLA website they have contact numbers in which you can talk to a person - I've just looked on their website and their number is 0870 850 4444 - they are open from 8am to 8.30pm

J Smith ● 5649d

F.Stone:  Do you have a number which has a human on the end of it please?  The number I am given is automated and when I finally pass all the press buttons and give my registration, the automat says "Sorry can't process" and cuts off!Robert: Why Wimbledon or Borehamwood?  Is there a DVLA human staffed office there? Do you have an address?Thank you both for responding.

Barbara Yerolemou ● 5649d

Have you tried phoning the DVLA and advising them of your mistake? It will be quicker in the long run.

J Smith ● 5650d

Perhaps a visit to Borehamwood or Wimbledon with your documents if the callcentre is proving difficult to access a human capable of unscrambling?

Robert Darke ● 5650d