The much-criticized Road Traffic Department expects to usher in a new era, according to officials.

In a press conference held yesterday at the Ministry of Transport and Aviation, Road Traffic Controller Ross Smith said the department has already begun the first phase of its redevelopment and transformation into a modern system.

“Our ultimate objective is to develop a more efficient, effective and transparent public service agency with the necessary accountability systems in place that works in the interest of the general public.

“We do not seek to disregard the recent negative publicity the department received as a result of the Auditor General’s report. We take the information seriously and will use that information as part of the catalyst that helps inform our strategy in every aspect of our transformation process,” Mr. Smith said.

He added that the department has heard the critiques not only from the auditor general but citizens as well, and plans to use the negative commentary as fuel to light a new fire under the public service ministry.

“Based on the report and the consistent criticism we have received from the public, we have taken the approach that we would keep our transformation core message simple – We are changing.

“This message gives every member of the public an opportunity to evaluate the process as it evolves and provides the feedback necessary for the department to create a workflow that produces a positive customer focused experience.

“It will provide a new experience that creates a new organizational culture aimed at providing quality service consistently,” Mr. Smith said.

Outside of the infrastructural changes, Smith said there will also be a change in personnel as a means to tighten things up in regards to financial accountability.

“There will be change in personnel I’m sure, but people sometimes operate in environments on how it appeals to them.

“When you talk about change, you talk about change in the entire organization there may be some persons left but anybody connected to the change directly will not be in the new building,” Mr. Smith said.

Last year, the Auditor General’s report found that a minimum of $10 million in motor vehicle license revenue has been lost at the department due to a severe lack of order and control around the safeguarding of assets and collection of revenue.

It stated that based on inquiries with management, the Road Traffic Department has not maintained a register of the registered number of all licensed motor vehicles, which is a requirement of the law and a listing of all active and inactive license plates could not be produced for audit inspection.

The department is expected to move into a temporary headquarters at the new Thomas A. Robinson stadium in a matter of weeks.