New smart number plates to enhance vehicle security — DVLA CEO
The new smart vehicle number plates being introduced by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) can be scanned instantly to improve security and support law enforcement, Chief Executive Officer Julius Neequaye Kotey has said.
According to him, the new system will replace the current number plates, which do not allow security agencies to instantly retrieve vehicle information and have become vulnerable to counterfeiting and abuse.
Speaking on Accra-based Metro TV's Good Morning Ghana on Friday, August 7, Mr. Kotey said the initiative forms part of broader reforms to sanitise Ghana's vehicle registration system and combat vehicle-related crime.
"As soon as something happens and the police or security agencies need information, they should not have to wait for DVLA to begin operation before they can get it. In this modern age, our number plates should be something that can be scanned for instant information," he said.
The DVLA boss further disclosed that the Authority's investigations uncovered widespread illegal production of vehicle number plates across the country, a development he described as a major security threat.
He noted that joint operations with National Security had led to the arrest of individuals producing fake number plates, insurance stickers and logbooks.
According to him, more than 10,000 fake number plates had also been seized during enforcement exercises.
"If we want to sanitise the roads, if we want to do away with criminal activities involving vehicles, we must make sure we have credible number plates on our roads," he stated.
The DVLA CEO added that the Authority has also abolished the use of private companies to distribute DV number plates, a move he said has improved accountability and reduced leakages in the vehicle registration system.