If SAAQ customers continue to queue up in the big centers, things are already looking much better in Saguenay and especially in Jonquière.
An hour before the Jonquière office opened this morning, the queue consisted of only about ten people. But inside, staff only agreed to handle files by appointment.
“My appointment for a vehicle handover is for next week,” a man told us at the exit. The website is not clear on how to make an appointment and is not always accessible.
Others worried about the consequences of a late driver’s license or registration renewal due to computer problems.
“I was told I had to make an appointment,” another man confided. I am driving with a license that is no longer valid.
Under the circumstances, the Saguenay Police Department will exercise discretion.
“If your license or registration could not be renewed due to a computer problem, you will not receive a ticket on this issue,” said Saguenay Police spokesman Dominic Gagnon. It’s really case by case.”
Car dealerships also complained about numerous failures of the SAAQclic system in the past week. For example, a co-owned vehicle is not always recognized by the system. However, as of Monday, traders have been conducting daily phone calls or webinars with SAAQ technicians twice a week.
“There are already improvements,” noted Corporation of Saguenay – Lac-Saint-Jean dealer Olivier Blouin president. “There are many technical details. We believe SAAQ wants dealers and customers to be happy with the service, even if people don’t see the progress yet,” he added.
Another man, disappointed at not being able to complete his transaction in Jonquière today, came away frustrated.
“It has become that there are more security guards than employees!” he estimated. I can not believe it! We pay taxes!”
The Jonquière office remains open on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and on Saturdays as long as necessary.