(Trinidad Express) Tamper-proof driver’s licences are coming.
This was announced yesterday by Transport Commissioner Reuben Cato who said that the first phase of the Motor Vehicle Authority had been completed.
Phase one of the new implementation involved the upgrade to software from Nova Scotia that would allow the production of tamper-proof driving licences.
“Technocrats from Trinidad and Tobago and technocrats from Nova Scotia walked through the system and actually we can produce a new driver’s permit and we can issue a new driver’s permit, under the new Motor Vehicle Authority,” Cato said. He was speaking just outside the Licensing Office headquarters on Wrightson Road, Port of Spain yesterday.
The office itself was empty and in the process of being upgraded as well, which Cato said was necessary as the new licences could not be produced in the former environment.
“The legislation would have to be changed to order to accommodate this. My understanding is that the legislation is before Parliament and the Prime Minister gave the commitment that it will be tabled within this session,” Cato said.
Cato said the full automation of the process would lead to fewer allegations of corruption within the Licensing division.
“We will have checks and balances and daily audits of every permit issued, every certificate issued, every transaction. We would not be bogged down as I am right now with respect to staffing,” he said.
Cato said the new MVA will eventually be able to hire personnel without being “handicapped” by the bureaucracy of the Public Service Commission (PSC).
“The Authority will hire as we see fit to fit the demand,” he said.
The office remained closed yesterday and the public was directed to the other licensing offices, which Cato apologised for.
“We do apologise for the inconvenience, but it was necessary,” he said.
Cato said this office would be ready and open by tomorrow.