Letter: Chaos at traffic licensing department

Dr. Syd Catton, Waterberg Tourism, writes:

After my recent ordeal at the Modimolle Traffic Licensing Department, I can safely state that the department is in chaos and dysfunctional.

I went there in August as my driver’s license was expiring end of September. Firstly, I had to obtain an eye test at own cost from Spec Savers as the department’s machine has been broken for a number of years. Then, after having waited in line for quite some time, I was informed that their fingerprint machine was also out of order and that I should return in two weeks.

While I was there, I saw two staff members going through piles of forms looking for issued licenses. It was alarming to see boxes of forms stacked in the corridor as well.

At least they were able to process my application during my second visit, however, they informed me that it would take at least six to 12 months for the actual license to be printed due to the immense backlog at their head office in Polokwane.

This meant I had to apply for a temporary license as well. Subsequently, they requested that I complete new forms and have a new eye test done and supply a new set of ID photo’s. This, plus the additional cost for a temporary license, is quite substantial.

Not content with this, I visited the Bela-Bela Licensing Department and was advised that they are able to produce a new driver’s license within six weeks.

Now I am wondering why the same service is not possible in Modimolle?