Vehicle licensing could enter cyberspace under potential plans to revolutionise the annual registration.

The Transport Control Department is considering using the massive power of the Internet to relieve some of the pressure at their North Street headquarters.

Eventually motorists could relicense their vehicles in the comfort of their own homes, by logging onto a special "TCD'' website.

Although the plans are at an early stage, it could dramatically reduce queues at TCD and could make annual relicensing easier for thousands of drivers islandwide.

The possible plan was revealed during a Senate session last week, when Government Senator Michael Scott introduced the Electronic Transactions Act 1999.

Yesterday, he said the idea was an example of where an electronic Government could venture.

And TCD director Donald Dane said Internet relicensing is something "they would like to do eventually, way down the road'', adding that it was in its "embryonic stages''.

The website could run alongside plans to de-centralise TCD operations into post offices.

Officials want to try installing terminals in offices, so customers do not have to travel far to get a new licence for their car, bike or truck.

Already there is a sub-station at Dockyard and Penno's Wharf, which enables some re-licensing of vehicles for West and East End residents.

And at TCD headquarters, a new computer system is going some way to making the entire licensing process a "one-stop shop'' -- where the public can get all their requirements at one clerk, rather than queuing at different points.

Also applicants can mail in their documents, complete with pass certificate, up to three months in advance to receive their new licence.

The new computer system has experienced some problems following its installation, and there were some staffing issues for a time, which have now been settled.

The Government is keen to foster an environment where e-commerce can flourish and it is aiming to open up more departments to the Internet.

Already, the Department of Tourism is on line with various services to the public and overseas visitors. And land valuation figures have also been posted on a website for Island homeowners.