For years, the DLTC shared premises with the Atlantis Fire and Rescue Service and Disaster Risk Management. The lack of space was a source of frustration for both staff and clients and affected the quality of service delivery.
"It was a tight squeeze for far too long and we dealt with complaints from the public, but also staff from the various departments who were at times hampered in the effective execution of their duties because there was simply too much going on and not enough space to do it in," said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
In February 2012, the City’s Traffic Service identified a vacant property close to the existing DLTC that proved suitable for a driving licence testing centre and a base from which to facilitate traffic operations for deployment of traffic officers. In addition, the 4,841m² would also easily accommodate a test track for motorcycles and light motor vehicles.
The facility was completed at a total cost of just over R10,1 million which included acquiring the building from the previous owner and refurbishing it in line with the needs of a driving licence testing centre. It will accommodate 20 administrative staff members, six driving licence examiners, and 20 traffic officers.
"We are committed to providing quality facilities and services to our clients and this is but the latest example. However, as the adage suggests, good things really do take time. Our list of priorities doesn’t always align with the available budget, but we are trying our utmost to do as much as possible with the resources apportioned to the Directorate. I trust the Atlantis community will enjoy the new facilities and that the service will meet their expectations.
"The City of Cape Town now has 18 driving licence testing centres. Where the waiting time for appointments once hovered at six to 12 months, it is now down to two days at some centres and is only two weeks at Atlantis," said Smith.
