The intelligent number plates (INP) project has been pushed back yet again, this time due to an investigation that does not deal directly with the project.
This is according to the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport's (GDRT's) chief director of communications, Octavia Mamabolo.
She says MEC Ismail Vadi ordered an investigation into the extension of the contract of one of the project's researchers. “The investigation doesn't deal with the project itself.”
However, Mamabolo adds that the project will be stalled on account of the investigation.
“The auditor-general is taking about two months or so for the completion of the investigation.” She adds that testing of the intelligent aspects of the project will only begin once the investigation has been concluded.
The electronic number plate system will have RFID tags that contain unique identification codes programmed into a 2D barcode that traffic authorities will be able to scan.
Delayed priority
Vadi previously said the INP project is part of the department's priorities for the financial year 2010/11.
The department has already rolled out the new number plate series on aluminium plates, but without any of the intelligent components.
It previously said the INP project will be rolled out over a 24-month period once tests are done on the available technology.
When the INP project is rolled out, a microchip will be inserted into the bottom of the existing aluminium plate, so citizens don't have to replace their plates yet again, according to Mambolo.
However, she says the department cannot, as yet, comment on what will happen to motorists with plastic number plates when the INP project is rolled out.
Alternative tech
This came after it initially said none of the proposed technology for intelligent number plates had met its standards and that was the reason for the October deadline being missed.
“After careful analysis, a revised implementation approach was adopted, which would deliver the project in phases.”
Former MEC Bheki Nkosi added that the plan was to bring the intelligent elements in over a period of 24 months.
He said 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.
Nkosi explained 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 the detailed technology investigations have been concluded.
Drawn out
The GDRT 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 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 department.
The project is scheduled to run for four years, and is intended to be completed by November 2013.
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