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JMPD officer checking a motorist driving license.
Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) is urging motorists to remain calm after the Department of Transport confirmed another breakdown of South Africa’s only driving license card printer.
It is reported that the machine breaks down frequently, contributing to a growing backlog of driver’s licenses still waiting to be printed.
In the meantime, JMPD is advising drivers to hold on to their expired licenses and apply for a temporary one, as delays in card printing continue nationwide.
Repairs to the machine could take several weeks to complete.
JMPD Spokesperson Xolani Fihla, says, “Our message for motorists is that they must not panic. We know that the machine is not working at the present moment, but with that in mind, as a motorists, when you’re going to renew your license you need to get a temporary and a receipt, which shows a proof of payment that shows the date you renewed your license and when you come across officers you show them the old licenses and the temporary license valid for six months and that will ensure that you don’t face punitive measures from law enforcement officials.”
Some motorists are raising concerns about the lengthy delays.
“We’ve got modern technology. Why can’t we go digital? We can also look into other countries like Dubai. They’ve got self-service machines where you can just go, help yourself and get your card because this maladministration is an inconvenience,” says one of the motorists.
“This could affect motorists and the community also and this will increase the rate of fraud and corruption,” says another motorist.
