14 Nov 2006
Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Traffic and Patrols Department yesterday announced it would auction selected vehicle number plates starting next year.
The announcement was made by department officials while launching electronically readable number plates for private vehicles in the emirate. The plates are easily detectable by radar.
Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Mayouf Al Kitbi, Director of the Vehicles Registration Licensing Section at the department, said a committee had been formed to draw up procedures for auctions. He said the committee would also supervise these auctions, which will start from next year.
"People can participate in the open auctions by attending or online," the official said.
Referring to the introduction of the new edition of number plates in two sizes, he said the numbers would have a maximum of five digits from 1 to 99999.
Speed radar visibility
The design of the new number plate has been prepared in cooperation with the Emirates Driving Company (EDC), which will supervise production and distribution.
The replacement of old red and white plates in series five will begin with immediate effect. However, it has not been made compulsory for motorists to replace them immediately.
"Any motorist willing to replace their number plates can do so by paying Dh40. They also have the option of replacing them when they renew their vehicle registration. In fact the plates, bearing the existing numbers, will automatically be changed during renewal of vehicle registration," said Al Kitbi.
He said the number plates of other types of vehicles, such as taxis, motorcycles, pickup trucks, buses and trucks would remain the same until a decision was made in the future.
Al Kitbi said the new plates had been tested for speed radar visibility.
Dr Jehad Sabaitha, EDC Director, said the new edition came as part of the department's strategy to implement technology and to enhance security measures.
"The number plates will have a high-tech built-in hologram, which will make it difficult to duplicate or tamper with," he said.
By Nissar Hoath
Gulf News 2006. All rights reserved.
