New number plates on the cards for Gauteng Province

Gauteng MEC for Transport and Logistics, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, has officially launched the registration process for manufacturers of vehicle number plates.

In December 2022, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi announced that the province will roll out new vehicle number plates in 2023 to help fight crime, corruption, vandalism, and lawlessness. He further emphasised this during his State of the Province Address in February this year.

NEW NUMBER PLATES IN GAUTENG

During the launch on Monday, 3 July, Diale-Tlabela said they understand the importance of ensuring that manufacturers and embossers of number plates operate within the bounds of the law.

“Over the years, we have witnessed numerous challenges arising from non-compliant number plates, such as compromised safety, an increase in vehicle-related crime, and a lack of accountability from manufacturers,” she said.

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The MEC said that the department is taking a proactive stance in securing the entire value chain, from manufacturing to distribution, ensuring that motor vehicle owners can have confidence in the legitimacy and quality of their number plates.

The registration process requires manufacturers to submit their applications for scrutiny to guarantee accuracy and compliance. Compliance inspectors will diligently inspect the production sites of embossers to ensure adherence to regulations.

Once an application is approved, manufacturers will be required to sign a Service Level Agreement with the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport and make the necessary payments.

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FRAUD AND MALADMINISTRATION IN DRIVERS LICENCING TESTING CENTRES

One of the forensic reports, which the Department of Transport commissioned, dealt with alleged fraud and maladministration at Gauteng Drivers Licencing Testing Centres (DLTC).

The findings were as follows:

• Fraudulent optometrist certificates
• Fee dumping (Fee dumping is the practice of applicants with arrears who apply for vehicle license renewal being allowed to proceed and what they owe in arrears is dumped to other accounts, including the accounts of deceased persons).
• Collusion between examiners, applicants and driving schools
• Lifestyle audits – assets not commensurate with salaries
• Expired service level agreements (SLAs) between the Gauteng

ALSO READ: New licence plates for Gauteng in 2023