By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

The Transport and Aviation Minister said yesterday that a “new paradigm” was being explored over the production of vehicle license plates, with a policy decision expected on the issue very soon.

Glenys Hanna Martin said that while the shortage of license plates has been a recurring issue in the past, the Government was moving to address the issue.

“We are actively, myself in conjunction with the Minister of National Security and the Miniser of Works, considering a new paradigm for the production of license plates. It’s not been finalised as yet but I believe that very soon we are going to have a policy decision,” said Mrs Hanna Martin.

“The machine keeps breaking down and they run out of plates, and when people attempt to license their vehicles they have no plates. This is a chronic issue and we are seeking to address the production of plates. The actual system is going to take us from night to day. We are going to have to be in night for a while before we can get to day.”

Mrs Hanna Martin said reform of the Road Traffic Department was moving forward, with what she described as some “quick wins” expected in 2016.

“The process right now is by and large manual, as opposed to an automated system.

This is going to radically transform the department and bring a level of order that we don’t currently have,” said Mrs Hanna Martin.

She added that changes to the issuance of drivers licenses are excepted to begin next July, with the modernisation of the system expected by next November.

“We are building it the new system security features for the drivers license, for the plates, and also for the certificate of registration,” she added.

“There is going to be interfacing with other agencies as is appropriate so, for example, if someone’s license has been suspended by the court that information would be readily available to the Road Traffic Department. It’s all going to be designed to help eliminate fraud.”