New Driver and Vehicle Services centre confirmed for Perth
Ahead of the State Budget being handed down tonight, the State Government confirmed $4 million would be set aside for a new Driver and Vehicle Services Centre in Armadale or Byford.
The busy Cannington centre will also have its hours extended through July and August, as part of a two-month trial to provide more before and after-work opportunities for people to attend. The Cannington, City West and Mirrabooka centres will all be open from between 7.15am and 5.30pm rather than the normal 8.15am to 4.30pm timing.
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Department of Transport customer support services assistant director Chad Simeons said wait times were already more than 6.5 minutes quicker now compared to 12 months ago and the latest trial could help even more.
'It's going to be really good for our customers and it's going to give working people more of an opportunity to come in before or after work,' he said. 'We're hoping to smooth out the transactions and that will hopefully lead to reduced wait times.
'It is a trial so we aren't certain what the outcomes will be but the idea is we're pulling some levers to make it easier for customers.'
One in five visitors to the Cannington and Success centres are driving up to 40 minutes from the fast growing City of Armadale, City of Gosnells or Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale suburbs.
Assistant Transport Minister Jessica Stojkovski said community and stakeholder consultation would help pick the most appropriate location.
'The Department of Transport has recently experienced rapid growth in demand for its services, particularly in the thriving south-east metro region, which is putting pressure on existing DVS centres and increasing wait times for customers,' she said.
'The Cook Government's election commitment of a new licensing centre in the Armadale/Byford area will provide better access to DoT services. much closer to home for those residents currently driving 30 to 40 minutes to attend another centre, such as Cannington or Success.'
The services on offer at the new centre will include learner permit applications, theory and hazard perception tests, practical driving assessments, overseas driver's licence transfers and boat registrations.
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