More computer problems have forced the Transport Control Department (TCD) to issue emergency letters to drivers to cover them for the Labour Day weekend.

The letters, which were handed out with the knowledge of the Police, provide insurance cover and protection from prosecution for an extra seven days for those whose vehicle licences were due to expire at the end of August.

The computer problems, which hit the TCD offices at the beginning of the week, struck again yesterday, knocking many of the systems off-line in the morning and sporadically throughout the afternoon.

Although the office was due to close at 4.30 p.m, even at 5 p.m. yesterday there were still drivers queuing up in the North Street, Hamilton, office to renew licences or to pick up new ones.

"The end of the week, the end of the month and the holiday would have made this a busy time for us anyway," said TCD director Kevin Monkman.

"But the computer systems failure hasn't helped. We have spoken to the Police and have issued these letters which extend insurance cover until next Friday (September 5).

"If people whose vehicle licences have expired are stopped by the Police, the letters will cover them - so we would urge drivers to carry the letters with them at all times.

"People with the correct documentation have left it with us and the staff will work through the backlog, they have been great through all of this.

"We sincerely apologise to the public for any inconvenience this may have caused to them and we thank them for their patience."

He added that some staff were coming in today, to help complete the backlog of dealers' licences that was created when the system went down in the morning and "sporadically" throughout the afternoon.

The system failure hit those wishing to obtain new or replacement drivers' licences hardest.

Mr. Monkman was hopeful the problems with the computers would be resolved by Tuesday when the office was due to re-open.