The Revenue Protection Department (RPD) says it is taking a zero-tolerance approach to the production of fraudulent motor vehicle documents, including fitness and registration certificates, titles and drivers’ licences.

A Jamaica Information Service (JIS) news release yesterday reported RPD Commissioner Major Johanna Lewin as saying that the RPD has placed 29 matters related to the production of fraudulent documents before the court.

She said the department has shut down several mobile tax offices where personnel have been manufacturing and selling documents.

Major Lewin cited a recent case in which a woman attempted to create a fraudulent motor vehicle title, purporting that it had been signed by her husband, but after checks it was found that her husband was deceased.

“The prevalence of fraudulent motor vehicle documents has been a real concern due to the threats, not only to revenue, but to the maintenance of law and order,” the news release quoted Lewin. “A multifaceted approach needs to be taken if we are to combat this ripe and festering environment of lawlessness.”

Lewin was addressing the launch of the pilot of the new Island Traffic Authority (ITA) Vehicle Management System at the transport and mining ministry in Kingston yesterday.

She noted that, as part of the plan to clamp down on the illegal practice, her agency continues to review systems and to make recommendations for improvement.

Lewin lauded the ITA for creating the Vehicle Management System, which is designed to electronically capture all motor vehicle fitness and driver’s licence information.

“The new system will eliminate the need for paper as well as the production of fraudulent documents. This will promote more compliant vehicles on the roads, increase cost savings and reduce transposition errors, among other things,” the JIS reported,

The pilot system will become fully operational today at the Swallowfield Island Traffic Authority and will be rolled out on a phased basis to other locations.

The new system will promote the integration of the ITA with Tax Administration Jamaica and the Jamaica Customs Agency.