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LICENSING Division’s Caroni office is overwhelmed, says a licensing official, with a daily backlog forcing dozens of motorists to leave the compound and return the next day to complete their transactions.

Newsday visited the compound on January 7, and saw hundreds of cars, trucks and SUVs waiting to be inspected, registered or transferred, with some drivers sleeping in their cars as they waited in line to get to one of the four inspection bays.

Speaking to Newsday on the condition of anonymity, the official said the system needs to be revamped as it cannot cater to the “rush” of motorists, after the recent announcement of an increase in fines for motor vehicle owners.