Thanks to the allocation of a significant number of new slots to address the backlog in drivers’ licence renewals in Gauteng, more than 51 000 people in the province managed to renew their licences in November compared to 31 000 the month before.
That’s the word from Gauteng MEC for Public Transport and Roads Infrastructure, Jacob Mamabolo, who said the department had been working with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) and the Driving Licence Card Account (DLCA) to address the backlog.
“In just two weeks, we have substantially increased the number of available slots,” the MEC said on Monday.
In mid-November a decision was taken for Driver Testing Licencing Centres (DLTCs) in the province to dedicate 70% of booking slots and capacity to driving licence renewals.
“Over the month of November, the department noted an increase in the availability of booking slots to more than 80 000, up from over 50 000 slots that were available in the month of October,” he said.
“We also note the recent extension of the grace period for individuals whose drivers’ licence validity was affected by the Covid-19 lockdown, but we urge drivers not to wait until the last minute,” Mamabolo said.
Government recently granted a further grace period until next year for learners’ licences, driving licence cards, temporary driving licences and professional driving permits whose expiry falls between March 26 and December 31. Their validity periods have been extended to August 31, 2021.
As part of the new measures to deal with the backlog, the department, along with its partners, will introduce mobile DLTCs across all five developmental corridors of the Gauteng City Region.
In addition, the working hours of all provincial DLTCs have been extended and these facilities will now be open on Saturdays and Sundays.
“We are aware of the trend that seems to be developing where people fail to honour their appointments. We are availing more capacity for the renewal of drivers’ licences so that we decisively address the backlogs. As such, our DLTCs will be open during the festive season,” the MEC said.
The department is also finalising the appointment of a company that will conduct a forensic investigation into allegations of corruption and bribery at DLTCs.
