VEHICLE NUMBER PLATE BACKLOG HITS 200,000; PRINTING DELAYED FURTHER

New vehicle number plates will feature enhanced security measures

- By CHATURANGA PRADEEP SAMARAWICKRAMA

The printing of vehicle number plates, delayed for over eight months, is expected to delay a further three months, with the backlog now approaching 200,000 vehicles since March last year.

The delay has created a crisis on the roads, with industry sources estimating that over 200,000 vehicles are currently operating without government-issued number plates, raising concerns over safety and security especially at a time when the country's crime rate is also soaring.

During the past year, a total of 312,177 motor vehicles were registered, with motorcycles accounting for the majority at 223,228.

Yesterday, the Cabinet approved signing agreements and initiating the supplier registration process for the printing of vehicle number plates, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said. He added that if the contract awardee, M/s South Asian Technologies, fails to print the first vehicle number plate within three months of bid approval, the government will somehow take necessary measures to ensure the project stays on schedule.