Road Traffic Dept. explains new license plates

Fri, Nov 11th 2016, 12:03 PM

The Road Traffic Department began issuing new license plates to vehicle owners on New Providence beginning with 'AD' as it computerized its licensing system in late October, prompting some confusion among motorists seeking to license their vehicles.

New license plates include two letters, followed by four numbers.

'AB' will be used for Abaco; 'AN' for Andros; 'BI' for Bimini and 'GB and GR' for Grand Bahama.

For New Providence, 'AD' will be used, but "other letters will be assigned as the need arises", the department said in a statement.

It explained that new license plates have begun to be issued in conjunction with the upgrades to its licensing process as a result of the large number of plates required.

The option for reserved license plate numbers for New Providence and Grand Bahama will continue.

According to the department, those currently using reserved plates will maintain the assigned numbers with a alphabetical prefix of 'AA' at no additional cost.

However, to reserve plates for the first time will cost a one-time fee of $50.

Speaking to the strengths of the new system, the Road Traffic Department said the old vehicle discs that publicized owners' personal information have been done away with.

The new discs only display the make and model of the vehicle, the plate number and the expiry year of registration.

"This change is an important feature in securing the personal information of Road Traffic Department clients," read the statement.

"The Road Traffic Department did not develop this new concept in isolation.

"The department engaged in consistent and meaningful consultation with various stakeholders, including the police, the Auto Dealers Association, the insurance companies, the clearing banks, the Customs Department and various other government departments and agencies."

A foreign firm has been engaged to produce the "initial complement" of license plates.

But ultimately, the function will be transferred locally and may incorporate the Department of Correctional Services work program to allow inmates to produce plates, "creating the opportunity for these persons to acquire new skills that will assist with their rehabilitation".

The new system will require that clients register at a one-time fee of $30.

A passport, voter's card or birth certificate, along with a copy of a National Insurance card and driver's license is required to register for the transportation management number (TMN), a unique number that can be used alternatively with a driver's license to pay fees in the future.

The old manual system has been linked to malfeasance and fraud at the department.

An auditor general's report tabled in Parliament in May revealed motor vehicle license revenue was under recorded by a minimum of $10 million, and license plate revenue was under recorded by nearly $250,000.

The audit covered the period of July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2015.

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian

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