Fines for expired driving licences waived

THE Transport Department has bowed to pressure from advocacy groups by waiving fees associated with temporary driving licence cards and halting penalties for motorists caught driving with expired licences.

- MAYIBONGWE MAQHINA

This comes as many motorists find themselves awaiting the renewal of their driving licences due to backlogs in production after the department’ card printing machine broke down in February.

Lobby group, Organisation Undoing ‘Tax Abuse, has been arguing that fining motorists who are still waiting for their renewed card licences was unfair.

Minister Barbara Crecy said the backlog stood at 635 976 as at June 23, down from 733 000 when its card production machine became operational in May.

Creecy said the card production facility has, since the machine became operational, embarked on working overtime to wipe out the backlog.