Windhoek:The government of Namibia is implementing stricter controls on the manufacture and verification of vehicle number plates, with plans for new plates to feature advanced security measures, announced Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Minister Nekundi stated in the National Assembly that not all number-plate manufacturers in Namibia are registered. To address this, the ministry has activated Part 5 of the Road Traffic and Transport Regulations, which pertains to the registration of manufacturers, builders, importers, and number-plate manufacturers. This regulation had been inactive due to previous technical challenges, which have now been resolved.

A major challenge has been the absence of a harmonized standard for number plates within Africa and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, Nekundi explained.

The government is also enhancing technological measures to combat fraudulent plates. The Automatic Number Plate Recognition System, currently operational in Namibia, helps verify vehicle number plates and taxi identification numbers with their respective vehicles and owners. In Windhoek, a mobile unit fitted with this system has been instrumental in identifying fake number plates and taxis.

However, Nekundi admitted that the existing technology requires improvements. He said efforts are underway to enhance the system, the number plate features, and the control mechanisms for manufacturers.

The new number-plate standard will include upgraded security features such as QR codes and homologation. An inspectorate has been established to oversee manufacturers, and the ministry is procuring an automated digital verification system for law enforcement and municipal traffic authorities.

These updates come as a response to questions from Winnie Moongo, a lawmaker from the Popular Democratic Movement, regarding the regulation of number-plate manufacturers, the issue of fake plates, and measures to improve vehicle identification.