Frustration at licence form shortage

East London vehicle owners are tearing their hair out because a shortage of paper at the Post Office prevents them from renewing their licences.

Others, who have taken to local social media groups to vent their frustration, say they have run into the same problem at the traffic department.

Jade Lyle said she had visited the Nahoon post office twice in one day, but was unable to renew her licence.

“The Cambridge post office is always full with the queue extending all the way to the OK.

“The traffic department doesn’t have paper. I am worried because there will be a 22% penalty fee added to everyone who hasn’t renewed licence yet,” Lyle said.

Renee Brown echoed Lyle’s concerns, saying the majority of post offices in the city were closed and others did not have paper. “The traffic department should not consider fining us, when services are non-existent,” she said.

The Post Office admits there has been a paper shortage.

Post Office regional general manager Nombulelo Ngubane said: “The shortage of Face Value Motor Vehicle Licencing paper has been happening for a month now, as there is a higher demand for motor vehicle renewals.

“We are distributing forms from other post offices that have stock. The branches mentioned will be prioritised and their will receive paper by the end of tomorrow,” Ngubane said.

East Coast resident Jake Moloyi said he had encountered paper shortages in 2019 already, saying the paper ran out at the Gonubie traffic department,” he said.

But Buffalo City Metro spokesperson Samkelo Ngwenya said all registration and licensing offices in the coastal region had the required forms.

“We are now working on an appointment system for motorists’ convenience as well as assisting walk-in clients.

“The Gonubie office can be reached on 043-705-9709, and the East London office on 043705-3004 for bookings and all enquiries,” he said.

Ngwenya said the municipality was dealing with a Covid19 backlog.

The municipality had advised motorists of extended working hours at the licensing department (Munifin building), which will be open till 4.30pm.

“We will be able to serve all walk-ins during this time, and you do not need an appointment. All vehicle licence inquires can be made on 043-7053004”, he said.

The Eastern Cape department of transport clarified licence renewal and expiration deadlines on August 31.

Motor vehicle licence discs, temporary permits and roadworthy certificates that expired during the period March 26 up to and including May 31 were deemed to be valid for a period ending on August 31.

“All learner’s licences, driving licence cards, temporary driving licences and professional driving permits that expired during the period that commenced from March 26 2020 up to and including August 31 2020 are deemed to be valid for a period ending on January 31 2021,” transport department spokesperson Unathi Binqose said.

Motor trade number licences that expired during the period March 26 up to and including May 31 are deemed to be valid for a period ending on November 30.

“It must be taken into account that no further extensions will be granted and those who fail to renew on time will have to pay applicable penalties or face the necessary repercussions for late renewal,” he said.