Transport Dept extending operating hours in bid to tackle driver's license card backlog

CAPE TOWN - The Department of Transport is extending its operating hours in a bid to tackle a massive backlog of driver’s license cards.

This comes as the country’s only license card printing machine is back in working order, after breaking down again in February.

ALSO READ: Long-term fix needed for SA’s driving licence card printing system: OUTA

The department is currently dealing with more than 700,000 outstanding card requests.

Gauteng leads with over 200,000, followed by the Western Cape with 108,000 and KwaZulu-Natal with over 100,000.

Officials reportedly say the extended working hours will help fast-track the printing process and reduce delays.

The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA)’s Stefanie Fick believes extending the validity of driver’s licenses could help ease the pressure.

“So, I do think they need to do their proper planning first and in the meantime, think of ways to alleviate the pressure and one of those is what we’ve advocated for is to extend the validity of the driver's license for a period from five to ten years.”

She added that even a temporary extension could give the system some breathing room.

“Maybe it will not alleviate the situation, but I do think that if people that have to renew their licenses now get an extension of another five years obviously that will alleviate the pressures.”