RADHICA DE SILVA
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Transport Commissioner Clive Clarke says there is an entity operating in T&T which is issuing fraudulent drivers permits, not recorded on the Licensing Department’s database.
Speaking to Guardian Media exclusively during Operation Impact, a joint police and Licensing Division roadblock exercise, Commissioner Clarke said those involved in this entity will be caught, as the Transport Division now has the technology to identify fraudulent permits.
Commissioner Clarke revealed that a new driver’s permit will be issued and by the end of the year, the renewal of permits will be arranged online.
“We are finding a number of fraudulent permits. They are high in quantity and that is why the Ministry is seeking to have a revamped and new driver’s permit out to the public very soon. Most likely it will be out before December. It will be in circulation by October,” he added.
He sounded a warning to those who have been engaging in fraudulent issuing of drivers permits.
“We have devices with us where we will check those permits immediately and know if they are counterfeit. It is part of the operation today. We have vehicles where we have found tampered chassis. Those vehicles are either knockdown or stolen vehicles,” Commissioner Clarke said.
A female Licensing Officer talks with a motorist, during the joint Police and Licensing Division exercise taking place today, at the Solomon Hochoy Highway Extension, near the Debe Roundabout. (Image by KRISTIAN DE SILVA) 
One of several vehicles that were checked out by officers involved in the joint Police and Licensing Division exercise taking place today, at the Solomon Hochoy Highway Extension, near the Debe Roundabout. (Image: IVAN TOOLSIE) 
Among those stopped by licensing officers during the Operation Impact joint exercise at the Solomon Hochoy Highway Extension, was a vehicle from the T&T Regiment. (Image: KRISTIAN DE SILVA) 
A police officer and licensing officers check a motorist’s documents, during the joint Police and Licensing Division exercise taking place today, at the Solomon Hochoy Highway Extension, near the Debe Roundabout. (Image: IVAN TOOLSIE) 
One of several vehicles that were checked out by officers involved in the joint Police and Licensing Division exercise taking place today, at the Solomon Hochoy Highway Extension, near the Debe Roundabout. (Image: IVAN TOOLSIE) 
A police officer monitors the traffic during the Police and Licensing Division exercise taking place today, at the Solomon Hochoy Highway Extension, near the Debe Roundabout. (Image: KRISTIAN DE SILVA)
Concerning the electronic license plates, he said the Ministry of Transport is still engaged in the procurement phase and will issue a statement on that in due course.
The Transport Commissioner also said drivers permits are valid until October 1st and not December.
“The tints are valid until December. We understand that some people have not received an appointment for renewal. We are operating with the appointment system because we have to manage the crowd. We are increasing appointments day-by-day, so don’t worry if you have an expired permit. The Commissioner’s permit is expired. It is valid until October 1st so you cannot be issued a ticket,” he added.
Commissioner Clarke also said the current method of permit renewal is not ideal, so they were aiming at an online renewal system by year-end.
Meanwhile, ASP Ian Carthy from the Southern Division said Operation Impact will continue over the next few weeks.
“Aspects of this initiative will focus on gang-related activity and violent crime. There is another facet of the initiative which is community engagements. We have started walkabouts in the various districts and the feedback is overwhelming. We know there are at-risk communities, but we are not leaving out the middle and upper-class areas. We will roll out an initiative in these areas to provide more patrols.
Among those arrested during the exercise were four men who were charged with narcotics possession, driving without valid insurance, defective tyres, and dysfunctional wipers. The violators were given printed tickets on the spot, which were logged immediately on the Licensing Division’s database.
