The public services provided by the Department of Motor Traffic, which has been temporarily suspended due to the risk of Covid-19 will resume from the 20th of October, with a limited number of staff members and subjected to certain limitations, with the aim of minimizing the inconveniences faced by the public.

Accordingly, the clients who expect to obtain the services provided by the Motor Traffic Department are requested to contact its offices, between 9.00 am and 4.00 pm on weekdays and make an appointment beforehand to get the services done, including registration of motor vehicles, issuance of driving licences, issuance of number plates and issuance of reports on vehicle inspection.

The Motor Traffic Department says no services will be provided outside the said procedure for any purposes.

Further, any facility to hand over the vehicle transfer application to the nearest divisional secretariat or the district offices of the Motor Traffic Department has also been made available.

Hence, it is advisable to visit the head office only for essential services, the Department said adding that this will reduce the unnecessary public gathering.

In addition, the one-day service of issuing licences provided by the office in Werahera will be withheld until further notice, the Department added.

The said service of issuing will be limited to clients who reside within the limits of Colombo Districct or employed in Colombo, the notice said. Accordingly, the clients are required to ascertain their residency or employment in the relevant area.

However, it is strictly advised that the general public who live in the novel coronavirus-hit areas where curfew is currently in effect should avoid visiting the Department premises until the risk is eliminated.

The Motor Traffic Department urges the clients to adhere to the regulations introduced by the government with regard to hygiene and to act patiently and sensibly.