AA decries inoperative state of testing centres, makes recommendations
Have you renewed your driver's licence and disc?
With no extensions in the loop, the end of August is coming up at a brisk pace.
But, said the AA, while time is up for motorists to renew these documents, time is also up for the government to fix the renewal system. It again called on the government to find lasting solutions to the renewal problems, noting that the failure of people to renew these documents is mainly due to the broken system they are forced to use, instead of their unwillingness to do so.
The AA explained:
The first extension covers the period from March 26 to May 31 this year, and covers the following documents that expired during that time:
• vehicle licence discs
• temporary permits
• roadworthy certificates.
The second extension covers the period March 26 to December 31 last year, and covers the following documents that expired during that time:
• learner’s licences
• driver’s licences
• professional driving permits.
“Government acknowledges there are problems at the driving licence testing centres (DLTCs) which renew these documents. Yet, despite this, no further extensions will be considered, meaning people are at the mercy of a broken system. These problems persist and will continue to persist until the government takes a bold decision to replace – not repair or revamp – the current IT systems along with increased human resources at DTLCs,” said the AA.
“We have received many emails and calls from the public complaining that computers, printers and eye machines are not working at the DLTCs. Reduced staff numbers make the situation worse. In Gauteng, the inability of many to access booking slots via the online booking system exacerbates their frustration.
“People need to be mobile for a number of reasons – work, children, emergencies. If people can’t renew their documents because the system isn’t working, they will not stop using their vehicles, they’ll use them with invalid documents. It’s as simple as that.
“We have said time and again that the current operations of the DLTCs need to be expanded, that the private sector must be roped in to assist, and that all current systems across the country must be replaced. Failure to implement even one of these recommendations will result in continued poor service delivery to the motoring public,” concluded the AA.
Source: AA
