The Department of Roads and Transport (DRT) says a lack of competition is the reason for the delay of the intelligent number plates (INP) project.
This comes after the department initially said none of the proposed technology for intelligent number plates had met its standards and this was the reason for the latest deadline being missed.
Now, Gauteng transport MEC Bheki Nkosi says the department is concerned there was only one suitable supplier for both the tags and the card verification code service and this would have resulted in uncompetitive pricing.
Backtracking
Nkosi says that, in line with the October deadline that was set for the roll-out of the project, the department established project governance structures and reconstituted the project team to fast-track implementation.
“We went out on tender and the results indicated there are a number of risks that are likely to affect the roll-out as envisaged.”
He adds that competition was seen as one of the risks and affected the deadline.
In a quarterly media briefing statement, Nkosi said proposals were submitted by prospective service providers, but none met the standards and specifications of the intelligent aspects of the project that were set out by the project team.
“Our preliminary results from the tag tests conducted indicate they fall short of the required specification. We are in constant interaction with industry with a view to discussing the radio-frequency identification, as well as other technologies.”
Nkosi now says only one provider did, in fact, meet the set standards and specifications of the intelligent aspects of the project, and it is actually the lack of competition that has caused the latest delay.
Phased deadline
“After careful analysis, a revised implementation approach was adopted, which would deliver the project in phases.”
Nkosi adds that the plan is to bring the intelligent elements in over a period of 24 months.
“In light of the phased approach of the intelligent features, the regulations are being amended and certain schedules related to the intelligent components are being withdrawn.”
He says the department is engaging with industry role players and will issue a request for information to investigate other possible alternative solutions that are available, as well as to test new technologies and processes before roll-out.
“Various options will then be evaluated and the most suitable solution will be selected.” Nkosi explains that the revision of specifications means the department will not be confining itself to only the RFID technology.
The phases for the intelligent components will begin once detailed technology investigations have been concluded, according to Nkosi.
“We are committed to the regulation of the number plate industry in order to eliminate fraud and corruption and thus reduced theft of vehicles. In achieving this goal, we want to implement the best and the most cost-effective solutions for the citizens of Gauteng.”
Not a first
The DRT has missed several deadlines over the past three years in its attempts to roll out the INP system.
The project was initiated in 2006, with full-scale implementation scheduled for 1 January 2008.
The project is scheduled to run for four years, and is intended to be completed by November 2013. Nkosi says the department set aside R25 million for the project in this financial year.
The electronic number plate system will have RFID tags that contain unique identification codes programmed into a 2D bar code that traffic authorities will be able to scan.
Number plate manufacturers will also have to be accredited and plates bolted onto vehicles with tamper-proof screws to prevent fraud.
“The new system is part of a smart crime-fighting initiative aimed at putting an end to the duplication of number plates frequently used in motor vehicle theft and other illegal practices,” says the DRT.
“The INP system will make it possible to undertake a roll call of all vehicles in Gauteng to ensure all are properly registered and licensed, as well as assist in improving revenue collection due to improved vehicle identification.”
The system will also have to integrate with the Gauteng proprietary portion of eNatis, Gautis, to provide notification of any offences. Each vehicle owner will be required to produce their personal identification and vehicle identification documents when ordering the new number plate from the accredited manufacturers.
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