The province's new number plate series will be rolled out next Tuesday, with a distinctive security feature, says newly-appointed Gauteng MEC for roads and transport Ismail Vadi.
However, contrary to media reports, this security feature is not an RFID tag that was expected to be implemented for the intelligent number plates (INP) project.
Chief director of communications at the provincial department Octavia Mamabolo confirms the INP project has been delayed and, as announced previously, it will be rolled out in a phased approach over 24 months.
Duplicate eradication
In a media briefing yesterday, Vadi said the first number in the new series has been offered to Gauteng premier Nomvula Mokonyane.
“The new number plate will be made of aluminium and will include a distinctive security feature.”
Mamabolo explains that this security feature is a watermark. She says only registered embossers will be able to provide this mark, reducing the risk of duplicate plates.
“If plates are duplicated, the registered embossers will be held responsible.”
Vadi explained that, in terms of published regulations, all number plate suppliers are required to register with the department, and a list of registered suppliers will be published on the department's Web site for ease of reference.
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.
She adds that the aluminium plates are sold at the same price as the plastic ones. “There has been a lot of concern around this, but we are not taxing the citizens unduly.”
The Government Communication and Information System says motorists in the province will be required to replace their current number plates with the new ones. They will, however, be allowed to keep their current registration numbers.
IT prioritised
Vadi said the INP project is part of the department's priorities for the financial year 2010/11.
In an effort to improve broad-based consultation before the introduction of the project in the province, he held a meeting with INP embossers last week to outline regulatory requirements and other concerns regarding the project.
The department says it will undertake an extensive communication campaign to inform and educate motorists of the benefits and advantages of the intelligent number plates.
As another departmental priority, the MEC mentioned the Learner Driver Support Project, which was launched in October, in partnership with Department of Community Safety and the Gauteng Department of Education.
The programme assists Grade 11 and 12 students to obtain their learner's licence.
Vadi says his department will use this programme to establish satellite testing centres for learner drivers to improve capacity and ease the pressure presently experienced at testing centres in Laanglagte, Randburg and Sandton.
Unique codes
The department previously said the technology for the INP project is problematic and lack of competition is also an issue.
The project is scheduled to run for four years, and is intended to be completed by November 2013. Former roads and transport MEC Bheki Nkosi said 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 will be 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 department.
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