LAW-ABIDING CITIZEN writes:
Referring to your article, “Queues at centre to stay”.
I attempted to renew my licence three times and every time I was turned away for no legitimate reason, as it was always during business hours as displayed at the centre.
Basic business manners 101: when you state your office closes at 3pm, this does not mean that you go home at 3pm. It means you cannot turn me away even if I enter your office at one minute to 3pm.
The arrogance and blatant disregard of this department towards the public, which ultimately pays their salaries, is remarkable. People have to take time off work and waste money on petrol to be denied access because department employees do not want to jeopardise their 3pm knock-off time.
Also read:
• No end in sight for frustrations at Kempton Park Licensing Centre
Arriving early is not a solution. If everybody arrives early this will just result in an overcrowding situation, the doors will close even earlier to protect the 3pm knock-off and the unfortunate individuals being processed last will spend the whole day at this department.
Obviously the demand outstrips the capacity of this department at this stage, and if nothing is done, the backlog will just grow and it will become increasingly more difficult to renew a licence. There are ways to alleviate this situation.
– Extend office hours to 4.30pm. This will significantly increase capacity.
– Streamline the processes to make them faster and more efficient.
– Change the renewal period from five years to 10 years and double the fees. Of course it is all about revenue.
I do not see fit to be turned away again and have decided to wait until the service in this department becomes acceptable. By the way, not renewing your licence does not impair your driving skills in any way.
