Slow people

What is with people at government service kiosks? i purchased my 2009 car licence plate sticker this morning. When it came to my turn, i walked up, handed over the forms and my credit card. The very pleasant clerk did her thing - check check check initial initial stamp swipe (credit card) obtained my signature and handed me the forms and my sticker. Maybe 34 seconds. Meanwhile, the other five people leaning on the counter had not moved. Not one had completed their transaction and the staff were working hard.

One guy was arguing why they would not issue him new plates to replace the stolen one when he had no ownership papers, no remaining plate, ... no nothing.

They should institute a 45 second rule - if you cannot complete the transaction in 45 seconds you get a six month time-out to think about it.

Likewise last year at passport renewal time. i was up and out before any of the other ten kiosks had moved once. Three people were there at the kiosks when i arrived and still there when i left. What are they doing? Taking up residence at the passport office? i was waiting for Swiss Chalet to deliver their lunch and dinners.