South Coast licensing centres to re-open on Wednesday, June 17

Ray Nkonyeni Municipality has finally received the go-ahead to resume services at both the driving licence testing centre (DLTC) and the motor licensing bureau (MLB).

The municipality said it had received the green light from the Department of Transport (DoT) to reopen driving and learners’ licence and motor licensing services as from this Wednesday, June 17 at 7.30am.

ALSO READ: Umdoni Licensing Office is open for business – but take note of the rules

These services were suspended in line with the lockdown regulations level 5 and 4 which were meant to flatten the curve of the spread of  Covid-19.

While the provision of these services should have resumed on June 1 under level 3 lockdown, the municipality said some Covid-19 protocols, health and hygiene measures and occupational health and safety measures had at that time yet to be put in place.

Under the  reopening, services will be provided with some limitations and stringent measures to minimise the risk of infection to both customers and employees.

There will be strict control measures relating to queues, and access to the buildings will be restricted. The municipality’s  plan includes the following:

* Motor dealers will be allocated two counters to specifically assist them with a minimum of five transactions, and limited to one hour per dealer;

* The Margate office will perform transactions relating strictly to licensing of motor vehicles only;

* No dealers and/or agents with bulk transactions will be allowed to submit applications at the Margate office;

* The DLTC section is permitted to allow 50 applicants through the gates/onto the premises at any given time. This will be controlled by security personnel and officials, and applicants will be directed to queue under the shelter directly in front of the building;

* No other persons are permitted to loiter in or around the premises – access is strictly for applicants only;

* The DLTC phased approach will be as follows: Phase 1 – addressing the backlog for learner and driving licence tests which includes applicants who made bookings prior to lockdown and who were not tested. Drivers’ licence cards may also be collected during this phase;

* Phase 2 – renewals and new bookings for learner and driving licence tests. Progress to phase 2 will only occur on completion of phase 1;

The municipality has issued a reminder that in terms of the DoT directives, there will be no penalties and adjustments to motor vehicle licences which expired between end of March and end of May 2020. This means cashiers will only charge annual licence fees. However motor vehicle licences which expired prior to March 1 this year will be liable for penalties and adjustment of licences.

While visiting both facilities, the public is reminded to abide by the following health and hygiene measures:

1. No one will be allowed in without a mask which covers both mouth and nose;
2. Everyone will have to be screened and sanitised before entering;
3. Anyone found to be a risk won’t be allowed in;
4. While standing on the queue and upon entering, everyone should maintain the required social distance, which will be clearly marked.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram