Old vehicle number plates outlawed

VEHICLES bearing the old licence plates are today required off the country's roads until they acquire the new plates.
Permanent secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development Mr Patson Mbiriri yesterday said the December 31 deadline would not be extended and offenders risk having their vehicles impounded.
He said motorists should change over from old to new vehicle licence plates.
"There is no change. Tomorrow (today) is the last day and I would like to urge those who have not changed their licence plates not to drive on any roads countrywide as they risk having their vehicles impounded," he said.
Mr Mbiriri dismissed earlier media reports that vehicles were to be confiscated.
"There was an error in earlier report and the correct word is impounded. This would be done by law enforcement agents," he said.
Mr Mbiriri said such vehicles should only come back on the roads when they have the required plates.
He confirmed that several people were in a last minute rush to change the registration number plates.
"Just yesterday (Wednesday) alone at CVR 301 licence plates were processed while Causeway Post Office had 335. I am not quite sure about the figures at the Main Post Office but possibly similar numbers," he said.
Mr Mbiriri said they were not turning away anyone and assured the public that they had sufficient licence plates in stock.
"There is no question of running out and we would like to urge the Zimpost offices to notify CVR in time before they run out of the licence plates," said Mr Mbiriri.
A source at CVR yesterday said, "For the past five years, Government has been extending the deadlines and it's now high time that people should change over from old to new vehicle licence plates."
Investigations so far have revealed that various companies in and around Harare are visiting various offices to change licence plates.
According to sources, one company is coming with more than 50 vehicles to change the licence plates.
Last week Government said those who failed to meet the deadline risked having their vehicles impounded.
So far, nearly a million motorists have heeded the Government directive.
Of the targeted 1,3 million motorists, 950 000 have already changed their vehicle registration number plates to new ones.
Issuance of number plates has been decentralised with motorists able to access the services through Zimpost offices rather than just through the Central Vehicle Registry.
The regulations apply to vehicles owned by individuals, local authorities, Government ministries and departments as well as embassies.
Motorists should also have a police Criminal Investigations Department vehicle clearance in addition to third party insurance cover. Public transporters are also required to have a valid copy of the vehicle's certificate of fitness.
Last week police were clearing over 300 vehicles per day.