28th May '99 : LAUNCH OF THE QUALITY SERVICE CHARTER AT THE LICENSING AND TESTING DEPARTMENT

The Hon Mr Censu Galea, Minister for Transport and Communications and the Hon Austin Gatt, Minister of Justice and Local Government yesterday presided over the launch of the Quality Service Charter at the Licensing and Testing Department.

In his address to the media, Mr Galea stated that "the Department whch was set up in 1993 is responsible for the training, testing and licensing of local drivers and the registering , testing and licensing of all motor vehicles. After a complete refurbishment process, the Department started introducing a number of measures and procedures in order to help the clients become more familiar with the functions of the Department. In this regard, a manual was published in which all these measures and procedures were clearly explained to the public."

Speaking about new developments within the department, Mr Galea stated that "one of the Major developments was the procedure of transfer from one owner to another. Before, this process used to go through four officials. Now, only one official is handling such cases and therefore, the other three officials are attending to other vehicle transfers. This development forms an integral part of the Quality Service Charter being launched today."

Mr Censu Galea said that "the number of counters has increased from 28 to 45, all licensing procedures are now being processed from one hall, licences are issued on the spot and the concept of a one-stop-shop service has been introduced in order to drastically reduce queues. Besides this, all payments have been included under one registration fee, and the registry, accounts and cash office are being run through a computer system. Other facilities include the renewal within three working days of licences sent by post, the possibility of effecting the transfer of ownership of a car by post, the setting up of a waiting room for those attending the driving test, the sale of the Highway Code from the department and the issue of driving licenses to foreigners under specific conditions."

Also attending the presentation was the Hon Dr Austin Gatt, Minister of Justice and Local Government. In his address, Dr Gatt stated that "this Quality Service Charter adopted by the Licensing and Testing Department goes in line with the public service’s commitment to give its best possible service to its customers. In fact, through this Charter, the department is committing itself to enhance its efficiency in order to service the large amount of customers in a most effective way."