KZN gets new number plate system
IN A MOVE aimed at enhancing vehicle identification and streamlining registration processes, KwaZulu-Natal will be implementing a new number plate system from December 1.
The new system brings about key changes motorists need to be aware of.
Sibusiso Ntuli, the Motor Transport Services director, said the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport had tested the eNatis system, and confirmed that the system was now able to activate the new numbering system, supported by the Road Traffic Management Corporation.
The final changes are expected to be published on Thursday this week, with inputs from various stakeholders and the public. In the course of this week, the Provincial Motor Licensing Bureaus (MLBs) and RTI offices will be holding workshops on the changes brought about by the system and its requirements, said Ntuli.
He said the first phase of the new numbering would cater for the registration of new motor vehicles, re-registration of vehicles to new owners, stolen vehicles that had been recovered and re-licenced onto the owner’s name, and government vehicles. The first phase will run from December-February.
“The second phase will commence from March 2024 catering for all vehicle owners to migrate from the current system to a new system. Throughout the 24-month implementation period, motorists will be given 21 months, starting from March 1, 2024, to voluntarily migrate to the new system, after which it will be mandatory,” Ntuli said.
The new number plate will not depict the towns and demarcation but will instead have a continuous numbering system. The security features will also assist in the fight against crime, he added.
The changes to the new licence numbering system were prompted by the fact that some towns have run out of numbers.
There has been mixed reaction to this move.
Veronica Muthusamy said she thought the new number plate system was a great idea.
“It adds a unique identity to our vehicles and represents KZN pride. Plus, the design is pretty cool. The new number plates are a win for me. It’s about time we had something unique for KZN. I like the way they incorporated our cultural symbols. It makes our vehicles stand out on the road,” said Muthusamy. Avir Ramjan said he was not a fan. “Honestly, I am not a fan of the new number plates. The old ones were simple and easy to remember. Now, it feels like they are trying too hard with the design. I preferred the classic look. I appreciate the effort to modernise, but the new number plates seem a bit confusing.”
Deon Thiramalingum said the biggest question was who was going to benefit the most from the change.
“Have we really run out of numbers, or was it administered incorrectly? Who is going to get the biggest share of this? I think this is just another money-making scheme for yet another tenderpreneur. This is not going to help the people out in any way.”