This Is Guernsey

ENVIRONMENT’S problem with issuing new vehicle registration certificates has been resolved, but it could take six weeks before it clears the backlog.

Severe delays have occurred since the new year when the log book system of registering vehicles was scrapped in favour of the certificate. Environment said it had encountered problems with the computer system installed to make the change.

These involved the recording of historical details in the new system and the displaying of data on the printed certificates, it said in a statement. ‘These issues, together with one or two other minor operational matters, have now been resolved with the department’s system suppliers as part of the implementation process at no additional cost to the contract.

‘The department will be allocating additional resources to the printing and checking of vehicle registration certificates over the next four to six weeks, by which time it expects to be back up to date.’

Environment added that it was extremely pleased with the new system and believes it will deliver significant improvements to the recording and recalling of vehicle registration details.

‘The project has also been delivered in good time and within budget,’ the statement added.

‘As with all such computer systems, it is simply not possible to test for all eventualities and it is almost inevitable that minor technical issues will arise from time to time.’

Mike Wager, chairman of the Guernsey Motor Trades Association, said the department’s problems had been causing difficulties.

‘We have had some back from them, but they are way way behind,’ he said. ‘It’s a problem, but I have sympathy for the staff because they are doing all they can.’

* Anyone who needs a certificate urgently should phone the department’s vehicle licensing section on 243400.