City Extends Hours at Inspection Stations

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The City of Memphis is hoping to speed up long lines at its vehicle inspection stations. To get cars through faster, all 3 locations will open earlier and close later.

The extended hours began Friday and will be offered 3 days a week. The city says it's part of their solution to a problem caused by budget cuts and compounded by bad scheduling.

Memphis drivers renewing their car tags, which require a vehicle inspection, are coming prepared to wait. Some bring work to do, even food in case they get hungry.

"I bought some snacks. I know it's going to be a while to be here," said Rodney Royston.

This week some have reported sitting in line at various city inspection stations for as long as 2 hours.

"I don't know if they've got enough lanes in each one. That's the main thing," said Brad Watson.

Friday afternoon even the city's web cams positioned at all 3 inspection stations showed long lines.

City officials say the longer than usual wait times are the result of staff budget cuts and a high number of commercial vehicles, which all come up for renewal around this time of year.

"At least we've solved the budget side of it by authorizing the use of additional resources and opening additional lanes," said Chief Administrative Officer, George Little.

Little says inspection stations will now open at 7:00am and close at 7:00pm Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. To move cars through quicker, they've also opened up another lane at the main office on Washington Avenue.

"We can't do anything on the commercial vehicles at this time. That's a longer term issue we have to address," he said.

Little says that part involves the clerk's office and switching to a more staggered schedule. But what about just giving drivers other options for inspection?

"You go to a filling station," suggested Eva Seamans. "You pay so much, $10 in Mississippi I think, and then they give you a little sticker showing you've been inspected."

Little says the solution will come once they meet with City Council and figure out what the city can afford.

To offset traffic, they've also authorized overtime and plan to re-hire for some of the positions cut last year.