In a major boost to traffic law enforcement, Face Technologies, a subsidiary of leading IT solutions provider arivia.kom, and SyGade, a developer of electronic payment and mobile commerce products, have signed an agreement which will see SyGade manufacturing a mobile drivers` licence verification device. The product is due for implementation by the South African Department of Transport by December 2002.
Arivia.kom`s Niche Markets division commissioned SyGade to develop the product, which will be marketed across Africa and globally, in due course.
Managing executive of the Niche Market division, George Stander, says: "What is clear from this agreement is that we should provide solutions through working in partnerships and as a team develop best of breed products. We are proud of our association with SyGade which has achieved what many of the world`s largest IT companies were unable to do."
Stander explains that the small and compact device with a built-in scanner allows law enforcement officers to scan the driving licence card at the roadside. The bar code is decrypted and displayed on screen allowing officers to ensure that the information on the barcode and on the screen matches. Key information can then be sent to the central database and the mobile reader can also retrieve information from the database.
With further development various other applications are possible including the issuing of infringement notices and the payment of fines on the spot. The device will also be able to communicate with the NaTIS (National Traffic Information System).
Stander explains: "The Department of Transport required mobile licence card readers for law enforcement officers. After embarking on an unsuccessful fact-finding mission across the world in search of a suitable solution, it became apparent that if the world could not help us, we needed to see if SA could create its own solution."
Managing director of SyGade, Gerhard Mynhardt, says: "Challenge motivates us. When others can`t do something, we like to climb in and develop a solution. What is also so exciting is that the device can pay for itself by generating revenue through the electronic payment of fines on the spot. Additional benefits include enhancing safety on our roads via the availability of instant law enforcement intelligence and information. The inherent functionality will also assist in reducing fraud and corruption."
Not only do the companies envisage the reader being used by traffic law enforcement officers but believe the South African Police could also utilise it for accident reports on the scene. Private sector companies that could also benefit include car rental companies which could verify driving licence details.
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