Dear Editor
Upon collecting my driver’s licence at the New Ottery Traffic Department, the officials informed me that the turnout of people to renew their respective licenses has been incredibly low. Even though there is still time between now and the end of March next year to renew any expired licenses, we strongly urge residents to take advantage of the grace period granted by the national government to avoid backlogs at the last minute.
MPP Mackenzie says: “As a reminder, all learner licences, temporary driving licences, professional driving permits and driving licence cards which expired between 26 March last year and 31 August this year are now still valid for the time being. Residents can make use of the provincial government’s directory to find their nearest traffic departments in order to renew their licences.
Nevertheless, we encourage residents to renew their licenses timeously, especially considering the reduced capacity at some sites as a result of COVID protocols which need to be followed. We also ask employers to be more lenient and to allow their employees more time in this regard over the next six months. Residents’ safety and well-being remains priority number one.”
Regards
Ricardo Mackenzie, MPP
DA Western Cape Committee Spokesperson on Transport and Public Works
