Gauteng’s new high-tech number plates appear to be a step closer to fruition.
Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela has announced that a prototype number plate recognition system had been developed, and would form part of a pilot project that will be launched over the next six months.
“We are pleased to announce that a prototype number plate recognition system has been successfully completed and is now ready for pilot through our fleet management entity: g-Fleet Management,” Diale-Tlabela said during the tabling of the annual budget vote for the department.
Following the completion of the trial run, the Department would initiate a provincial rollout of the new number plates, she added, although final timing is not confirmed.
Authorities have yet to reveal what these new number plates will look like, although they are expected to retain a similar numbering system to today’s plates.
They will, however, be set apart by a “track and trace” system, including a QR code linked to the vehicle’s owner.
The intention is to make them tamper-proof and thus harder for criminals to clone.
The province’s new number plate system has faced delays, with the pilot project having originally been scheduled to roll out from April 2024.
The registration process for manufacturers of these high-tech number plates kicked off in early July. Diale-Tlabela said her department would ensure that the approved manufacturers would 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,” the MEC added.