Editor
I AM a 70-year- old pensioner and a widow. I looked at my car licence some months ago and, stupidly, read the expiry date as the date on which I renewed my licence. Feeling quite happy that I was safe, I parked in Umhlanga Rocks and got a fine for having a licence which had expired. The fine was R800 or alternatively R200. When I went the following day both to pay it and to renew my licence, I was told that I had to pay a full R800 as the R200 was only for people who had paid the licence and had not put it on show.
When I attempted to question the gentleman he quite literally laughed at me. Whether he thought I was an imbecile or not, I’m not sure, however I hope he reads this letter. I have a carer who goes everywhere with me because I am in an oxygen machine 24/7 and may need help. He chose to speak to her in another language and, after chatting her up, insisted I pay the R800.
I then paid my licence which, with penalties, was R1 029. I left the department disappointed and angry. Nobody, including the security lady, was pleasant or helpful in an office I have always happy to visit because of their help and care.
I will certainly attempt to avoid going there again, and am ashamed to say this is the Metro and traffic department of Umhlanga Rocks. I have looked up approximate fines that one should expect to pay for this ‘heinous’ crime, it is R200.
Mrs JA Chalmers
Umhlanga Rocks
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