Ministry suspends issuance of new licence tags

Motorists will have to wait a little longer to get their vehicle registration stickers as the Transport and Maintenance ministry considers “better” options.

In March, Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Ryan Straughn, announced there would be no penalty for expired registration stickers or driving licences in a bid to put a halt to the large numbers of individuals heading into the Barbados Revenue Authority offices seeking renewal of these permits to prevent the possible spread of Covid-19.

With the majority of the island’s businesses having reopened last week and the remaining curfews ending at midnight tonight, several motorists have expressed concerns that while drivers’ licenses can be renewed, no word had been given on registration tags.

However, in speaking to the media yesterday, Minister of Transport, Works and Maintenance Dr. William Duguid said there was a reason for this delay.

“We recognise that for lots of people to come up there just to get the stickers will lead to the crowds. So we are looking at a different way of doing that and we will come to the public with that shortly. So the issuing of new tags has been suspended and we are looking at a better way to do it,” he said.

In the meantime, Duguid encouraged drivers to ensure they travelled with their insurance documents in case these were needed for referral.

“I encourage everybody to drive with your insurance as much as you can so that’s important, but we are looking at a better way, so that people do not have to come to the Barbados Revenue Authority,” he stated. (JMB)