Q&A: Councillor addresses testing station issues

Over the past few months, a number of people have complained about the frustrating way in which the Randburg Vehicle Testing Station operates.

Many have complained about the fact that the testing station closes early and that they are turned away because of a set ‘quota system’.

Ward 102 councillor, David Potter, clears up some of the points people have raised about the testing station.

What are the problems people are having at the station?

The Randburg testing station is a busy one, with users coming from all over the city. About two months ago new systems were installed in many of the driver’s licence renewal offices.

The system is different to the one used in the past and has had some teething problems.

The network and system is that of eNatis and not the City of Johannesburg’s network. Systems are national government issued, and the City of Johannesburg has to use such systems.

This is also problematic at times. When the system is down, users wanting to conduct business are frustrated.

What is the ‘quota system’ some people have complained about?

A quota system has to be in place to ensure that all in the queue can be serviced by the time the staff need to leave at the end of the day.

This is why sometimes at 1pm the doors are closed and no one is allowed in to renew their licences. If the office let everyone in, the staff would be going home way after the end of their shift. This has been in place for many years and is not a new thing.

Is it acceptable to close the station when this is reached?

The centre remains open, but only those who can be serviced by the time the workday ends will be dealt with.

Are there any plans to curb such frustration?

The testing station [and other offices in the city] are now open on all Saturdays except the last Saturday of the month.

This is in response to expanding the service offering to those who work during the week and who are unable to get to the offices to conduct their business.

The City of Johannesburg’s renewal offices are the only ones that remain open during the festive season.

Other Municipalities surrounding the City of Johannesburg close their renewal offices during the festive season, putting even greater strain on the limited resources in the Johannesburg offices, and especially the Randburg one, due to its centrality.

It is a good time to remind everyone to ensure their vehicle and driver’s licences are up to date ahead of the festive season.

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