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eNaTIS -National Traffic Information System

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At the end of July 2008 South Africa's live vehicle population stood at 9,258,847.
 
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Employing novel approaches and infrastructure expansion to meet demand PDF Print E-mail
In keeping with its stated aim of improving the quality of life for all living within its jurisdiction, the Western Cape’s Department of Transport and Public Works has embarked on a concerted drive to meet increased driver and vehicle-related demand in the region with its approximately six million inhabitants. The implementation of the more robust National Traffic Information System (eNaTIS) with its vastly increased capacity and wealth of new features is but one part of the strategy behind this drive.

Taking service to the people

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The modern and well-equipped Joe Gqabi DLTC opened its doors in Phillipi East in March 2007
A major cornerstone of the drive is the establishment of new driving licence testing centres (DLTCs) in previously under-serviced areas. ‘The Western Cape covers a large geographical area – approximately 130 000 square kilometres – and we identified a definite need to open more DLTCs, especially in remote areas where members of the public have to travel long distances to obtain learner’s and driving licences,’ says Catherina Chesworth, Manager: Traffic Administration. ‘To address this municipalities have established numerous new DLTCs during the course of 2006 and 2007. These include the Lambert’s Bay DLTC in the Cederberg Municipality to service the West Coast fishing community and the Lingelethu West, New Ottery and Joe Gqabi (Phillipi East) DLTCs within the borders of the City of Cape Town, all of which brought driver licensing services to previously under-serviced areas. This is an ongoing effort, and the City of Cape Town is currently in the process of establishing a DLTC in Mitchell’s Plain,’ she concludes.  

New DLTCs were also established at Van Rhynsdorp, Franschhoek, Laingsburg and Albertinia.  

Help desk excellence

The department’s head office in Dorp Street, Cape Town, is home to two help desks serving the public: the Motor Vehicle Administration Help Desk and the Law Administration Help Desk. Together these centres field between eight and nine thousand calls each month, most of which are resolved satisfactorily. ‘In cases when we cannot resolve an issue being reported in this way, we escalate the call in question to the National Call Centre for further investigation,’ says Michael Gallant, Manager: Motor Vehicle Administration. ‘In addition, we also regularly consult with eNaTIS specialists to ensure that our users utilise the system optimally and to the benefit of members of the public.’ 

The help desks also serve as a centralised capturing facility to perform a number of sensitive functions, including the following:
•    Tare changes in cases where the tare is reduced
•    Special vehicle classifications
•    Recording manually issued roadworthy certifications
•    Introducing non-MIB (manufacturer, importer and builder) vehicles
These transactions are recorded centrally in order to limit fraud and corruption.

Utilising new approaches to ensure improved service delivery 

Gallant says that the province is also investigating unique ways to alleviate pressure on its service centres in order to bring about improved service delivery. One of the initiatives in this regard is engaging with the so-called runners, intermediaries who submit applications at service centres on behalf of members of the public. ‘Runners,’ explains Gallant, ‘usually submit numerous applications in a single session, thus tying up a service centre agent who has to process the applications before being able to serve the next person in the queue. Having identified this as a problem, we have engaged with runners at a number of meetings to find ways of meeting their needs while at the same time ensuring equitable service delivery to members of the public who are affected through the submission of bulk applications. We are using the information gathered at these meetings to address service requirements on an ongoing basis.’

Geared for the future

Backed by the cutting-edge functionality of the eNaTIS, the Western Cape is pulling out all stops to ensure fast, efficient and fair service at its centres, and residents of this fair province can look forward to experiencing even more tangible results in the very near future.  

Last Updated ( Wednesday, 05 December 2007 )
 
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