Universal vehicle registration numbers launched in Punjab

City codes to be replaced by provincial series

LAHORE:

The Motor Registration Authority of the excise and taxation department has started issuing universal number plates for vehicles across Punjab, including the provincial capital.

Instead of city codes, the universal number plate will be issued at the provincial level. Excise Minister Hafiz Mumtaz Ahmed inaugurated the universal number plates and their e-auction system. DG Excise Masoodul Haq, Director Motors Branch Rana Qamarul Hassan and other officers were also present on the occasion. Speaking to the media, Hafiz Mumtaz said that earlier the series of motor vehicle registration numbers was assigned in each category at the district level. The year of registration was printed on the number plate and the alphanumeric scheme was repeated every year.

The provincial minister said that in case of an incident of hit and run, it was often difficult to note the number of vehicle completely.

He added that there was also severe pressure of registration in Lahore due to the attractive resale market. The universal registration series will address these issues as well as ensuring convenience.

Hafiz Mumtaz said the universal registration numbers would eliminate the obstacles in resale of vehicles. He said that under universal series registration in all districts would have the same value. It will be easier for the public and law enforcement agencies to report vehicle numbers in untoward situations. This process will make it possible to eliminate the registration agent mafia and corruption to ensure merit. Hafiz Mumtaz said an increase in plate and font size would significantly improve the effectiveness of Safe City Authority cameras.

The minister said the e-auction system launched with universal registration series had also made it easier for the people to get attractive numbers. Interested individuals will be able to participate in the auction process of the number of their choice through online registration. He said that e-auction system is based on transparency and convenience. People from all over the world will be able to participate in the e-auction. This is the first project of its kind in the public sector.

The minister said the project will be a major source of revenue for the department as well as public convenience.

The serial numbers of all the districts have been abolished. Vehicles will be issued numbers starting from AAA. Motorcycle serial numbers will be issued from 1001 to 9999. Commercial vehicles will be assigned the serial CAA. Hafiz Mumtaz said commercial vehicles will be issued numbers from 1 to 9999. The serial number of government vehicles will start from GAA with numbers from 1 to 998. The SAA serial will be issued to semi-government vehicles. The minister said the excise department has adopted smart technology with the new projects.

According to Director Excise and Taxation Motor Qamarul Hassan, the issuance of universal number plate would benefit people belonging to cities other than Lahore the most because vehicles registered in the provincial capital were sold immediately, while those with number plates of other cities fetched less price.

On the other hand, the burden on the officials in Lahore will also reduce. About 40% of the vehicles with Lahore number plates were registered by people living in other cities.

With the e-auction, people will no longer have to go to any excise and taxation office to get their preferred number. The applicants will be able to deposit the money by pay order or online. The number plates issued already will not change.

The universal number plate e-auction will take place from August 23.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 19^th, 2020.