Call to extend licence deadline
AA plans to petition minister to give motorists more time
THE SHORT, extended period given to motorists to renew various driving licences because of Covid-19, is not sufficient and will result not only in huge backlogs, but will add to the spreading of Coronavirus as people queue for renewals before the deadline.
The Automobile Association (AA) has launched an online petition to encourage Minister of Transport, Fikile Mbalula, to extend the validity period of vehicle licence discs and driving licence cards.
According to the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) all learner’s licences, driver’s licences, motor vehicle licence discs, temporary permits, roadworthy certificates and professional driving permits (PrDPs) that expired during the period March 26 to May 31, are deemed valid and their validity period is further extended by 90 days from June 1 to August 31 2020.
However, despite this concession, the AA believes it does not take into account licences which expired after May 31, nor the reduced capacity of driving licence testing centres (DLTCs) to renew driving licences, and the South African Post Office to process discs.
In a letter to the minister on June 29, AA chief executive Willem Groenewald noted that there were problems with the current legacy operational framework of the DLTCs, combined with unforeseen circumstances such as Covid-19, which make it difficult for them to service drivers within that time frame.
He said the current National Traffic Information System (NaTIS) on which people must book appointments continues to be problematic and that centres may be closed intermittently due to Covid-19.
“Our experience is that the majority of drivers in South Africa prefer to remain compliant with the regulations, and to be on the road legally. Despite the system being problematic, drivers take the necessary steps to ensure they remain within the law. However, given the current constraints on the system, many are faced with the real possibility that they may not be able to do this,” Groenewald said.
An added issue, he added, was that drivers who were unable to renew discs or driving cards may have problems if they are involved in crashes as insurers may repudiate claims based on the fact that the drivers were not on the road legally.
The AA has called for a further extension beyond the end of August to the end of January 2021, which it says it a more feasible option to the current deadline of August 31.
“Our proposed extension date also makes provision for the closure of
DLTCs over the festive period, and for further potential closures as a result of the virus,” he noted
In support of the minister resolving the problem, the AA is offering its national network of agents to assist drivers to renew their licences. The association says the minister should consider allowing third party agents – such as the AA – to perform vehicle disc and driving licence card renewal services which are currently only offered through the DLTCs and the Post Office.
It said not only would this go a long way in dealing with the current and historical backlogs, but itl would also alleviate the pressure on the DLTC infrastructure going forward.
In this regard, the AA is launching an online petition available at: https:// www.aa.co.za/petition-to-extend-thelicence through which it wants to attract signatures.