BLA expands Holetown services as part of decentralisation push

The Barbados Licensing Authority (BLA) has expanded its services at the Holetown office in St James, giving motorists in the northern parishes easier access to vehicle registration.

Chief Licensing Officer Treca McCarthy-Broomes said the move is part of the BLA’s programme to modernise and decentralise its operations. It is expected to ease the burden on residents of St Lucy, St Peter, St Thomas, St Andrew, St Joseph and St James, who previously had to travel to the Pine, St Michael to register their vehicles.

The expanded registration service began this week.

McCarthy-Broomes said the BLA is aiming for same-day registrations and encouraged motorists to pay in advance and ensure their documents are in order to avoid delays.

She also reassured the public that no one will be penalised for failing to renew registrations or permits during the period when the BLA’s system was down, but reminded motorists that insurance documents must remain valid. She said the renewal module will be tested shortly and further updates will be issued.

The Chief Licensing Officer further revealed that ten private automotive garages have been approved to carry out vehicle inspections and will begin offering the service soon.

Motorists who have already obtained weight certificates from the Pine office will be able to have their vehicles inspected at any of the approved private garages before completing registration at either the Pine or Holetown offices.