examination system.

The Transport Control Department is set to de-centralise its operation and the result could mean that residents will only have to go to their local Post Office for their licensing needs.

Currently there are logistical problems at the TCD on North Street, with staff struggling with a new computer system and queues of customers waiting -- sometimes hours -- to carry out their business.

But all that could change if a new pilot scheme is successful. TCD director Donald Dane said the new computer system -- which was designed for every operation at the centre -- would be the catalyst for sweeping changes in the department.

Once teething problems with the network are ironed out, then terminals will be located in two Post Offices -- Warwick and Crawl -- enabling people to hook-up to TCD services without travelling to Hamilton.

And if the scheme is a hit, then the result could be a terminal in every Post Office across the Island. Specially-trained staff from TCD will be relocated with the terminals, subsequently easing the burden on the Hamilton centre.

Mr. Dane said: "It will allieviate all the problems down there.'' In addition vehicle examinations, previously done solely at TCD, are now also undertaken at St. George's and Dockyard -- lightening the load by around 800 vehicles a month.

At present, glitches in the computer system are being ironed out and it is hoped that once it is running smoothly, processing at TCD will run much quicker than present. An extra feature will be the clerks, who will also become cashiers, requiring people to queue up only once to re-licence.