After initial hiccups, High Security Number Plates (HSNP) will finally see the light of the day in the state from Wednesday. In a step towards ensuring safety of vehicles, the tamper-proof HSNP is a scheme that is being introduced throughout the nation.
Initially the HSNP will be fixed at ten registration centres in Hyderabad and Ranga Reddy districts for new vehicles which will be registered from December 11 and within 90 days, the mechanism will be started in 123 registration centres in the state in phased manner. In case of old vehicles, a time period of two years is given and the manner in which it is implemented will be decided by the authorities.
Explaining the advantages of the new number plates, transport commissioner G Anantha Ramu who made the announcement on Monday, said that the number plates are very difficult to replicate, forge or steal and that they cannot be transferred.
“Tracing lost vehicles will become easier and in the nights also, the plates will be visible,” he said.
Elaborating on the other features of the number plates, Anantha Ramu said a third registration plate in the form of a self destructive type chromium-based hologram sticker will be affixed on left hand side of the four wheelers. “The sticker will have details like registration number, engine number, chassis number of the vehicle, and laser branded identification number,” he added.
The registration plate will be fastened with non-removable and non-reusable snap lock system. ‘’If tampered they will drop off but cannot be replaced,” he said. The hot stamping film to be applied on the letters and numerals of the licence number will bear the inscription ‘INDIA’ in blue colour at 45 degree inclination.
A private agency, chosen by the APSRTC authorities through bidding system will manufacture the number plates. They will be stored and fixed to vehicles at the space provided by the transport department in its premises. ‘’The plates will be fixed under supervision of the department officials,” Anantha Ramu said. People can approach the registration centre where their vehicles are registered and get the number plates after the department makes an announcement.
In case of theft or destruction of the plates a complaint should be lodged with police and a new number plate will be issued by the transport department.