Numbers are up!
“Will change mine as soon as inflated prices for number plates stop”
BUSINESS is booming for licence plate manufacturers and embossers as Zululand motorists heed the call to change over to KZN's new ZN number plate system.
Following the provincial government’s introduction of the new system, which was launched in December, local businesses have seen an influx of trade.
One business in Richards Bay received around 200 to 300 customers per day in December alone.
“Initially, our understanding was that we would deal with new vehicle registrations and change of ownership plates, mainly from dealerships.
“But there must have been a glitch in the system in December because everyone who went to renew their vehicle licence was automatically being changed over to the new system,” said Felicia Moodley of Number Plate City.
“Things began calming down in January and February, but we are seeing increased numbers for sure,” she said.
While it is a welcome boost in revenue, Moodley said this has been offset by supplier price increases amid the growing demand.
Stock challenges
Her sentiments were echoed by Number Plate Centre Empangeni owner Harry Susman, who believes the provincial government may have ‘jumped the gun’ in the speedy implementation of the new system.
“I don’t think manufacturers were given enough time to prepare for this transition because, at one point, we ran out of stock.
“There are times when we have gone five days without plate stock but vehicle owners kept coming,” said Susman.
Despite the challenges, Susman says the move has 'definitely been good for business'. “Why do we have to buy them? It’s the government who says they must be changed. They should give them out for free!”
The KZN Department of Transport announced late last year that the migration would be conducted in phases.
The first phase, which began in December, focuses on the registration of new vehicles, change of ownership, and re-registration of “Expensive! Printing number plates is ridiculous R450 for something I never asked for?”
stolen-recovered vehicles.
The second phase, set to commence next month, is for voluntary migration of all vehicle owners from the existing system to the new one.
Thereafter, vehicle owners are given a 24-month window to complete this migration, “It’s a simple process. You just fill in a ‘blue form’ from licensing, then you go buy your registration plates”
- Mark Jacobs
“The actual changeover process was no issue, just filled in the form and handed it in. No extra charge, just my licence renewal fee. However, you obviously have to budget and pay for new number plates, which range from R430 to 450”
- Denise Ribnick
after which all motor vehicles would automatically be issued with a new format licence number upon licensing.
For many Zululanders, the switch has been a seamless process while some are still reluctant, with concerns over the added costs.