22 December 1998
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport has raised four million rand through the sale of personalised number plates in the province, Minister of Transport Mr S'bu Ndebele has announced.
Mr Ndebele said that since the introduction of personalised number plates in March 1997, 2774 plates have been sold at a cost of R1500 each. While all other funds generated from motor licensing go into the provincial coffers, funds derived from the sale of personalised plates are allocated to a special budget for the construction of rural roads.
"The introduction of personalised number plates has been a tremendous success. KwaZulu-Natal is the only province to have introduced personalised registration numbers and KwaZulu-Natal motorists have shown great enthusiasm to this concept of self-expression," Mr Ndebele said.
He said he was delighted that personalised plates are extremely popular and that there is an increasing number of the distinctive green on white number plates on the roads.
"While these plates provide people with an opportunity to express their individuality, funds generated go towards much needed rural infrastructure. These plates are therefore also a means for people to express their commitment to the development of our province."
"For this reason, it is totally unacceptable that there are still people who have illegal personalised plates. Besides committing an act of fraud, they are robbing thousands of rural people of much needed access and essential services. These people are being dealt with severely with a maximum fine of R4000 issued for the display of illegal registration plates," Mr Ndebele said. Mr Ndebele said the National Traffic Information System (NaTIS) has now been amended to allow for the allocation of personalised registration numbers that consist of three alpha - three numeric combinations e.g. BMW325. The system previously could not assimilate these combinations.
"We are pleased that we can now allow motorists a greater freedom of choice. Public interest in the plates have not dwindled since we introduced the concept last year. We have also discovered a trend where first time buyers purchase the plates again. Our statistics show that one out of every four customers return to buy another personalised plate," Mr Ndebele said.
"We encourage residents of KwaZulu-Natal to visit our motor licensing bureaus over the next few days as personalised number plates make wonderful and innovative Christmas gifts," he said.
Issued by: Ranjeni Munusamy PRO - KZN Ministry of Transport (0331) 422626 / 082 5666 781 Pager 0800 333 666 - code 5553