Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has requested that relevant agencies resolutely handle shortcomings and problems at automobile registration centers to prevent overloading and meet demand for car inspections.

He made the direction at a working session with the Ministry of Transport and relevant ministries and agencies on March 8.

Many automobile registration centers have recently experienced serious overloading, particularly in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, after others had their operations suspended due to violations. Many car owners have had to queue overnight in front of registration centers, while others chose to drive to neighboring localities to have their vehicles inspected.

Registration centers in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City that are open can only meet 40-50 per cent of demand.

The operations of 61 of 281 automobile registration centers around the country have been suspended as a result of violations.

Recent investigations found that many registration centers used sophisticated techniques to ignore faults in motor vehicles and post illicit profits.