A laser engraving system was bought because the original printing and laminating equipment for the polycarbonate card portion had reached the end of its working life.
'The laser engraving solution not only meets the latest EU licensing requirements, but also provides an opportunity to save on printing consumables,' said a department spokesman. 'The existing licence cards are – and will – remain a valid document to prove driving licence entitlement, as the information on the licence conforms to all of the necessary EU standards.
'Whilst Guernsey is not a member of the EU, our driving licences are used by many thousands of residents travelling abroad and are accepted for exchange in other EU countries by residents relocating to another jurisdiction.
'The enhanced security features on the new licences are also a further deterrent to any potential fraudulent activity.'
Environment said the pay-back period excludes the fact that the printers and laminators would have required replacing at a cost of around £20,000.
