New number plates set for KZN
New number plates will promote unity and social cohesion says the KZN Department of Transport.
THE new year got off to the worst possible start for motorists with a petrol price hike of 39cents per litre. Now, it appears another blow is on the cards for already cash strapped residents.
If the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport has its way motorists will soon have to fork out more money for new number plates. Spokesman for the KZN Department of Transport, Kwanele Ncalane, confirmed the abbreviation already existing on number plates (eg ND, NP, NUR) will now be replaced with the general ‘KZN’ designation. The department is now seeking permission from the national department to develop an operational plan for the roll-out.
New number plates will promote cohesion and social unity
Speaking to Northglen News, Ncalane said the reason for the changes were threefold. “The current system has been targeted by criminals who can easily clone number plates. The new system would ensure that the plates are unique and cannot be manufactured elsewhere.
“Secondly the system is exhausted in terms of number sequences and the new changes will accomodate flexibility. The third reason is the town-specific plates are colonial and is not a reflection of a democratic society. This will encourage unity and social cohesion in line with the current era,” he said.
“The Eastern Cape and KZN are the only provinces not in line with other provinces in terms of standard number plate system.” Ncalane added the department could not put timelines on the implementation of the new system or the cost.
Current system works fine
However the DA KZN transport spokesman, Radley Keys, said Ncalane’s social cohesion argument was fallacious. “The argument that number plates will promote unity makes no sense at all. It’s a complete fob-off. Social cohesion doesn’t come through number plates, the real issue is how much is it going to cost KZN motorists. The current system works fine,” he said.
Keys said the proposal change had gone through the executive committee without the transport portfolio committee being consulted.
Local motorists moot department’s argument
Local motorists have also voiced their disapproval at the proposed changes calling it ludicrous. Durban North resident Callum Mclachlan said if the department were looking to promote social unity, they were clearly looking for it in the wrong place.
“The new plates may be seemingly unclonable but criminals will find a way around it. Why do you need to improve a system that is functional? It’s an unjustified expense on our (motorists),” Mclachlan said despondently.
His thougths were echoed by Sunningdale resident Craig Adendorff. “It’s crazy, this is not only affecting the rich but it will also hit those who are already cash strapped. I’m definitely not happy with the proposal,” he said.
