Give grace period for some motorists to access new vehicle fitness benefits

THE EDITOR, Madam:

In the recent Budget Debate, the minister of transport announced some welcome changes to the motor vehicle certificate of fitness (COF) expiry timelines. Under the new policy, vehicles less than 10 years old will now benefit from extended validity periods ranging from three to five years. This is a progressive move and will undoubtedly ease the burden on motorists.

However, there appears to be an unintended penalty for those of us whose vehicles are due for renewal between May and June. Based on the minister’s announcement, the new system will not be operational until July 1. As a result, we fall into a gap that prevents us from accessing the new benefits.

I am therefore appealing to Minister Vaz to consider the following adjustments to assist affected motorists:

Grant a three-month extension to the current expiry date for vehicles falling within this transitional period, allowing us to benefit from the new system once it comes into effect.

Or allow us to proceed with the standard one-year renewal under the current system, but open a provision that enables us to reapply for the new three to five year expiry after July 1 – without requiring a fresh vehicle inspection.

This would reflect the kind of flexibility and responsiveness that motorists hope for in public policy implementation. We appreciate the efforts being made to modernise the transport sector and look forward to a favourable response.

CC SINGH

clyde_singh_591@hotmail.

com