The Traffic Department cautions against fake driver’s licenses.

The Traffic Department of Saint Lucia has issued a stern warning to the public concerning the proliferation of fake driver’s licenses on the island. The caution is prompted by the growing concerns that these fraudulent documents pose risks to road safety and undermine the overall integrity of the transportation system. Corporal Avanniel Melville, a representative of the Traffic Department of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, labelled such illegal activity a substantial threat to road safety, compromising not only the trust in legitimate licensing procedures but also road safety itself.

In response to the escalating problem, the Traffic Department has amplified its efforts to fight the production and distribution of counterfeit driver’s licenses through various procedures, including traffic checks. Through these operations, several instances have emerged where individuals have been discovered engaging in the illegal production and distribution of these false documents. Corporal Melville expressed her concern stating that such fraudulent documents sabotage not only the safety of the roads but also deter the trust and credibility of legitimate licensing procedures.

The urgency of the problem was underlined recently with an incident at the Department of Infrastructure, Ports, and Transport, where operations were briefly interrupted due to a violent outbreak. Reports suggest that a customer attempted to complete a change of ownership transaction using documents that did not correlate with the data stored in the Department’s Licensing and Registration Database. Despite the noticeable discrepancy, the customer insisted on carrying out the transaction based on various documents provided, which led to the situation escalating to the extent of physical outbursts and property damage.

Lenita Joseph, the Permanent Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure, Ports, and Transport, stressed that official transactions can only proceed lawfully when the appropriate and correct documents are provided. With the increase in fraudulent activities, she emphasized the importance of utilizing official channels to obtain driving documents and preserving the integrity of the transportation system.

In conclusion, the Traffic Department urges citizens to be cautious of fraudulent activities involving driving documents. They are advised to obtain such documents through authorized channels to prevent compromising road safety and the integrity of the transportation system. The department hopes that through awareness, the populace can contribute to reducing or eliminating instances of fraudulent activities concerning driver’s licenses.