As disappointed motorists continue to face long lines at branches of the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ), truckers fear they won’t be able to leave the province on April 1.
Richard Pellerin, an independent truck driver based in the Mauricie region, says that if he does not obtain the renewal of his registration, he will have to leave his vehicle parked. Truckers transporting goods outside Quebec must be registered under what is called the International Registration Plan.
“This problem at the SAAQ concerns us all, but specifically for our industry, it’s really the recordings that directly impact us, which expire on March 31 for all of us,” said Mr. Pellerin in an interview.
The new “SAAQclic” digital platform was intended to simplify certain transactions, in particular the renewal of permits, payment for registration and reservation of exams. However, this turned into a major mess for the Crown corporation and for the government of the Coalition avenir Québec.
Transport Minister Geneviève Guilbault cut short a trip to Europe this week so she could return to Quebec to manage the crisis. She announced a grace period for holders of expired permits and other measures to reduce waiting times at service points.
But Mr. Pellerin says he sees no sign that the situation is improving for truckers.
“I really need to renew my international registration to be able to work after March 31, he pleads. Otherwise, my business will be closed until I get this official document. »
Not getting the renewal could cost him $30,000 a month, he argues.
Francis Rouleau, director general of the Association of Professional Truck Drivers of Quebec, mentions that the 150 members of his truckers’ association fear being hit with fines if they travel outside Quebec without renewal.
“As long as the problem persists on April 1, we will probably have several drivers with traffic violations and fines who will be very upset, and this is all due to a technical glitch,” said Mr. Rouleau.
The plan announced by Minister Guilbault provides for an extension until June 1 of the validity of driving licenses that expired between January 26 and March 9. Vehicle registration certificates that were due to expire have been extended for a further 60 days. Motorists will also have more time to register new cars purchased from dealerships.
In addition, the validity of foreign driving licenses will be maintained until August 29, so that newcomers can apply for a Quebec license later.
On Monday, the SAAQ’s board of directors announced that it would recruit 150 additional employees in its service centers and extend opening hours. Demand is strong, because Quebec motorists must pay each year to renew their license. In New Brunswick, a driver’s license is valid for four years. In the other provinces, the frequency is five years.
Ms. Guilbault, who visited a branch of the SAAQ in Montreal on Friday, admitted to reporters that the organization has poorly planned its digital transition and poorly communicated the implications of this transition to users.
“The planning work, as far as I am concerned, has not been done well, which means that we end up with queues that seem like no one had anticipated, but there are also communications work. […] We probably did too little and we learn from that, ”she admitted.
The state corporation did not respond to requests for comment Thursday and Friday.
Ms. Guilbault said that the SAAQ has prioritized the files of truckers and taxi drivers.
“In no case will I accept that a trucker cannot work from March 31 or April 1 because he would not have been able to have his service at the SAAQ, she assured . What I’m told is that right now we’re okay with providing service for truckers. We meet them on Monday and if I see that there is a problem, we will solve it. »
However, Mr. Rouleau argues that the truckers saw no evidence of a fast lane for them.
“People who come to branches with their commercial transport papers have to line up like everyone else. It’s like the message is not getting through to security or staff. »