Expiry dates, maintenance, renewals; the responsibility on motorists is significant to say the least.
With the burden solely on their shoulders, several motorists were outraged when they realised vehicle licence renewal notices were no longer being issued months in advance. Forced to take a proactive approach, they questioned what brought about the apparent ‘adjustments’.
Recent changes to the National Road Traffic Regulations were put in place as a method to update the Department’s eNaTIS system. Once registered, residents would receive their vehicle and driver’s licence renewals notices timeously.
According to a statement issued on www.gov.za, the regulations were amended in order to request a person or body of persons who is registered on the eNaTIS or wishes to make use of the eNaTIS services to, after a period of 12 months from the date of publication of the regulation in the Gazette, submit proof of:
(a) Full names.
(b) Identity number.
(c) Residential and postal address.
While Government stated notices would still be issued, Newcastle residents claimed this was not the case at all.
“We have not received one renewal notice since July 2015. We have had to go and renew and take the original registration notice in,” stated an irate resident.
Another resident, seemingly frustrated with the reported new system, said he was issued a fine for ‘failing to display a valid licence disc’ on November 23.
“I was not aware my motor vehicle licence disc had expired, as I usually receive a written notification when my vehicle licence falls due,” he added.
Despite their concerns, the department indicated there is a 21-day grace period if motorists have not renewed their expired vehicle licence. However, penalties would be charged after this period.
A source in contact with the provincial Department of Transport alleged there were issues between the national office and a contracting company, which has ultimately resulted in delays.
“Notices aren’t being printed at the moment, but it is being dealt with. Once the matter has been resolved, notices will be issued again,” she concluded.
While the buck stops with motorists for now, it seems the matter will be dealt with in due course. In the meantime, the community is advised to keep track of expiry dates, and ensure licences are renewed on time to prevent any further upset.
