Caption: Line up on Monday evening at San Fernando Licensing Office. AZP News/Sue-Ann Wayow
By Sue-Ann Wayow
LONG lines continue at the San Fernando Licensing Office as members of the public complain about inefficiencies at the government office.
On Monday around 7 pm, AZP News visited the area where several vehicles were already parked up waiting for a transaction on Tuesday morning along Balisier Avenue and Cipero Road.
AZP News spoke with several persons who were in line.
AZP News were told that some persons were “touting” waiting spots – parking their vehicles the night before and then “selling” the spots to others the next day.
Most persons and companies were there for inspection and some for vehicle transfer.
@azpnews.com The situation outside the Licensing Office in San Fernando on Monday at 7pm. Video: Sue-Ann Wayow #licenseoffice #vehicleregistration #longlines #delays #sanfernando
The line up at these facilities increased since the announcement of the increase in fines by the government last year.
While many did not want to stake out the night before outside the licensing office, some said they had no choice.
Andre from Claxton Bay stationed his vehicle at 5 pm and was number 13 in line on the roadway.
His transaction was to transfer a vehicle to his name, that he recently paid off for.
“I had to make a sacrifice to come down here because the person to do the transfer for me, he only have time tomorrow, so I have to really work with him, so I came down today to just get over with it,” he told AZP News.
He said many tickets were being given out and he did not want to be a recipient.
Andre planned to stay the night admitting it was unsafe.
He said, “It is something real unsafe, because you know how Trinidad is right now. It is really a risk we are taking here.”
Another man from Siparia, said he was returning to the Licensing Office due to not getting through on Monday to also do a vehicle transfer.
One company, Power liner Transport Company Ltd from Barrackpore has made several trips to the San Fernando office to have their vehicles inspected.
They specialise in transport using one to 10-tonne trucks and have to pay a watchman to guard the vehicles overnight at an additional cost to the company.
On Monday night, the company had four trucks waiting for an inspection.
@azpnews.com Two men from Siparia speak about their grievances at the San Fernando Licensing Office on Monday night. Video: Sue-Ann Wayow #licenseoffice #vehicleregistration #longlines #delays #sanfernando
AZP News was told while waiting outside was long, the company’s transactions went smoothly once inside the office.
Those who were waiting, all admitted they were taking a risk.
They suggested having police patrols more regularly in that area.
Effective January 1, vehicle fines were increased with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar saying the fines will be decreased only when there was change in the public’s use of the public’s roads.
The government is in the process of allowing a grace period of up to seven working days to allow persons to rectify issues on their vehicle to ensure compliance with the law for minor defects.
Last week, the amendment to the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Bill, 2026 was passed in the Senate.
