Cost of new number plates faces scrutiny

The rollout of a new high-tech, tamper-proof number plate system has sparked widespread concern over cost, necessity, and transparency, most notably from civil rights organisation AfriForum.

Gauteng Provincial Government has begun rolling out the new number plate system within the province’s fleet of cars since June 5 in a bid to combat crime, vehicle fraud, and enhance law enforcement.

This pilot is expected to last for six months before a broader rollout to the public.

As the pilot phase continues, AfriForum is awaiting a response to its internal appeal and weighing its next steps, which may include lodging a formal complaint with the Information Regulator or pursuing legal action to compel the release of requested data like the cost of the plates.

The initiative, spearheaded by Premier Panyaza Lesufi and unveiled in June, includes plans to extend it to all private and commercial vehicles in the province by early 2026.

The plates are designed with advanced security features, including QR codes, anti-tamper decals, and a digitised backend to allow for instant verification of vehicle ownership and status.

No costs to vehicle owners were announced by the premier at the launch.

The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport touts the system as a modern, digitised approach to tackle vehicle-related crime and streamline enforcement.

AfriForum, which represents over 185 000 members in Gauteng, has lodged an internal appeal after the department failed to respond to its Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) request on data about the project within the mandated 30 days.

The organisation is demanding answers on key aspects of the new number plate project, including estimated cost per unit, the timeline for mandatory replacement, and the research behind claims that the system will improve road safety or reduce crime.

According to Louis Boshoff, spokesperson and campaign officer at AfriForum, the organisation’s concerns are rooted in broader issues of governance.

“Gauteng residents are already under pressure due to poor service delivery, ranging from persistent power cuts to unreliable water supply. Launching a costly new number plate system at this time appears to be a misplaced priority,” Boshoff stated.

AfriForum’s PAIA request focuses on three core areas: how much the new plates will cost motorists, when the public will be required to replace existing plates, and the research backing the claims of improved security.

The department acknowledged receipt of the request, and after a follow-up, indicated that the information was being processed.

However, when no further communication was received, AfriForum proceeded with an internal appeal.

One of the organisation’s main criticisms is the lack of clarity around pricing.

At present in Pretoria, the cost of registration plates varies. A standard set of number plates (front and rear) can cost around R220 to R500 for metal plates with R100 for backing plates if needed. Additional fees may apply for things like attachment frames, service fees for processing the registration, or if you choose personalised plates.

“The only available comparison is the current price of a standard number plate. If the new system involves improved security features, higher production costs are almost inevitable,” said Boshoff. “Additionally, replacing a number plate may also require a new licence disk, adding to the financial burden on motorists.”

Boshoff questioned the project’s relevance in addressing Gauteng’s urgent challenges.

“Even if the new number plates function exactly as intended, this does not address the core issue, which is weak law enforcement. Without consistent enforcement, the efficacy of advanced number plates is negligible.”

AfriForum is also sceptical about the research that supposedly informed the project.

According to Boshoff, the organisation has reviewed numerous studies related to road safety and crime prevention in South Africa but has found no compelling evidence linking enhanced number plate security with measurable improvements in these areas.

“If such research does exist, we are baffled as to why the department has failed to share it with the public,” he said.

The initiative comes with significant logistical implications.

Gauteng is home to over 3.5 million registered vehicles, meaning about 7 million new plates, front and rear, would need to be produced and distributed.

For AfriForum, the absence of a transparent budget or feasibility study raises red flags.

Boshoff warns that the initiative could follow the same trajectory as the widely criticised e-toll system: “If this is pushed through without public buy-in or transparency, we could see another stalled project due to mass non-compliance.”

While the department maintains that the pilot phase will evaluate the system’s cost implications and functionality, concerns persist that vehicle owners will ultimately shoulder the cost of the transition.

If prices become too high, organisations like the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) have warned that fleet operators may choose to license their vehicles in other provinces, potentially leading to revenue losses for Gauteng.

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