Complications with the computer system and a shortage of staff caused long lines at the Road Traffic Department Monday. However, State Transport and Aviation Minister Hope Strachan told The Tribune that officials plan to tackle the host of problems at the Department early on in the new year. The update came as the Tribune's Newsroom was bombarded with calls from motorists who complained that they had been standing in line for hours.

They were also concerned that the Department would close at 1pm. Officials later confirmed that Road Traffic employees would not leave work until around 6pm because of the high volume of applicants to be processed. Minister Strachan said: "We have a recurring problem down there and its one that has been growing over many years. The department saw a large volume of persons as it is the month's end and the last day of the year. "Not only do we have staffing issues but there are systematic problems with the machines that produce licenses and certificates.

"We are comprehensively addressing all of the problems and trying to see how best we could change the way of doing things in the long term and not just put a bandage on them temporarily." The Road Traffic Department is working along with the Ministry of Finance to find cashiers and other vacant staff, the Minister added. "They (Ministry of Finance) are the agency that deals with the revenue generated from the Department. So the approach that we are taking is two pronged. The Ministry is working to have qualified and trained persons come in."

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