Residents in the northern part of Barbados can now enjoy easier access to vehicle registration services, as the Barbados Licensing Authority (BLA) expands services in its office at Holetown, St. James.

According to the Chief Licensing Officer, Mrs. Treca McCarthy-Broomes, the move forms part of the BLA’s ongoing modernization and decentralization programme, which aims to bring essential services closer to citizens.

This new arrangement will provide much-needed relief to motorists living in St. Lucy, St. Peter, St. Thomas, St. Andrew, St. Joseph, and St. James, who previously had to travel to the BLA’s headquarters at The Pine, St. Michael for vehicle registration.

The expanded service at Holetown began this week.

Explaining the rationale for the move, Mrs. McCarthy-Broomes stated: “We understand the challenges our customers have faced, and we are doing everything possible to make the process easier.

The Chief Licensing Officer added: “Our goal is to ensure that vehicles can be registered on the same day.”

She stressed that customers could pay for registrations in advance to help speed up the process and urged them to double-check all required documents before visiting to help avoid delays in receiving their registration cards, which serve as proof of vehicle ownership.

The Chief also assured the public that no one will be penalized for being unable to renew registrations or permits during the period when the BLA system was down.

However, she reminded all motorists that insurance documents must remain valid, as the BLA’s renewal module will be tested in the near future and a statement will also be issued soon on this matter.

Meantime, Mrs. McCarthy-Broomes disclosed that ten (10) private automotive garages are being approved to conduct vehicle inspections and are to commence that service shortly.

Motorists desirous of having their vehicles registered and who have already obtained the weight certificate from the BLA in the Pine, will be able to opt for the convenience of having that vehicle inspected at one of the approved private garages.

They can then complete the registration process at either the BLA office at the Pine, St. Michael or at Holetown, St. James.(Stetson Babb – Media Consultant/ BLA)