Gauteng unveils tamper-proof number plate system

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi's commitment to combat crime, corruption, lawlessness, and vandalism was highlighted through the launch of the new high-tech, tamper-proof provincial number plate pilot system at the Nasrec Expo Centre.
The launch was carried out by Lesufi together with the MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, on 5 June.
The number plate system is a secure, traceable, and smart solution, incorporating tamper-evident decals, forensic QR codes, and a fully digitised back-end portal.
These technological enhancements are designed to combat vehicle theft, fraud, and cloning while improving road safety and empowering traffic law enforcement across the province.
The system will be piloted over a six-month stress-testing project using g-Fleet vehicles affixed with the technologically advanced new number plates.
This system aims to improve the credibility of number plates and enable license plate tracking within the value chain.
It also seeks to address longstanding challenges in vehicle registration and law enforcement framework, tackling cloned or fraudulent license plates, lack of interoperability with Southern African Development Community systems, and inadequate data traceability.
Lesufi said the launch is a major step and a pioneering project in the fight against criminality in the province.
Previously, Lesufi indicated that vehicles were a common denominator in the commission of, particularly, violent crimes, either as stolen or getaway vehicles.
'We are letting go of the old ways of fighting crime and introducing new ideas in this fight. With the help of CSIR, we are now deploying a digital system that ensures we are able to account for every vehicle on our public roads. Those who are using fraudulent or duplicate number plates will have no space or time to drive on our roads.'
The Premier emphasised that the province has now launched a high-calibre weapon in the fight against criminality and restoring order.
Speaking at the launch, MEC Diale-Tlabela highlighted that the launch represents a strategic provincial intervention to combat crime effectively and strengthen regulatory compliance. She added that this is an important pillar in the broader Provincial Integrated Crime Prevention Strategy.
'By partnering with law enforcement agencies, metro police departments, and the private sector, we are enhancing vehicle identification and traceability.
'These smart number plates will significantly reduce vehicle cloning, trafficking of stolen vehicles, and the use of falsified plates in criminal activities. It is about disrupting criminal networks and improving road safety.'
The MEC further announced this system has the potential to catalyse economic participation and unlock local economic potential by localising the production of number plates.
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