Only 70,000 old vehicles in Delhi have high security plates, shows data

The Delhi government has so far managed to affix high-security registration plates (HSRPs) on only around 70,000 vehicles registered prior to April 2019. Data with

The Delhi government has so far managed to affix high-security registration plates (HSRPs) on only around 70,000 vehicles registered prior to April 2019. Data with the state transport department showed that despite several drives conducted over the past three years, nearly 25 lakh vehicles in Delhi still do not have high-security registration plates affixed on them.

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As per rules, vehicles registered before April 1, 2019, in Delhi, have to get HSRP and colour-coded stickers from dealers by applying at bookmyhsrp.com/index.aspx

The new vehicles registered after April 1, 2019, do not need to undergo the process as they come equipped with HSRPs and stickers.

Records seen by HT showed that HSRPs have been affixed on around 70,000 old vehicles (registered prior to April 2019) and only 10,000 of them have got the fuel-based colour coded stickers on them.

Transport minister Kailash Gahlot said the reason for the low number of vehicles getting HSRPs was more than one.

“Firstly, people, in general, are not very forthcoming. Many still continue to use fancy number plates, which is illegal and entails a fine. Secondly, there were still some teething problems being faced by customers because of which directions have been issued to dealers to ensure that applicants get SMS alerts about every update on their plates and stickers. Thirdly, there is also some laxity in enforcement. I have directed the enforcement teams of the transport department to start an intensive drive again,” he said.,” he said.

As many as 239 vehicles were prosecuted across the city for not having high-security number plates on their cars on Tuesday, the first day of the drive, said special commissioner (transport) KK Dahiya.

A fine of Rs 5,500 is being slapped on violators as per provisions of the amended Motor Vehicles Act and conditions of registration certificates.

“The objective of limited enforcement drive is to sensitise vehicle owners to follow the provisions of MV Act, which includes having HSRP and colour coded stickers. We have started the drive in random selective areas of Delhi. We hope it will lead to more compliance,” he said.

The challans were issued in areas like Wazirpur, Saket, Shastri Park, Paschim Vihar, Dwarka, Rajghat, Talkatora Stadium, Akshardham Temple, Delhi Cantonment, Peeragarhi, Pusa, Shahdara, Preet Vihar, Ashok Vihar, Ridge Road and Malai Mandir/RK Puram, data showed.

Dahiya said only four-wheelers registered in Delhi are being targeted at the moment.

“No action is being taken against vehicles registered in other states and two-wheelers in general, as of now. We will soon intensify the drive with 50 teams as people have been given enough time to switch over to high-security registration plates . HSRPs have been mandatory for a decade now, still, there is low compliance,” he said.

Delhi BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor has urged the Lieutenant Governor to direct the transport department to postpone the crackdown by six months, in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. He said that the exercise can be carried out once the online process is streamlined.

Car owners, however, said the issue is also at the supply end and called the process of getting an HSRP and sticker “arduous”.

“I had received my slot in the first week of November, but I am yet to get the number plate. The company needs to train its executives better as when I call on their helpline number, it is almost of no help,” said Sunil Vohra, a resident of Pitampura.

Some took to Twitter to register their complaint. Sunil Rangra said, “I am running from pillar to post for my HSRP but Rosmerta is not responding . They are harassing law abiding citizens. I have already mailed the CM office, but haven’t received any response. I request the CM office and the transport minister to intervene.”

At the same time, there were also several happy customers who lauded the home delivery service started by the government.

Anubhav Anand, who got is HSRP affixed three weeks ago said, “The HSRP installation process was a pretty clean and hassle-free experience of booking online and having the new car licence plates installed at the comfort of your home.”

Another customer said the company should also provide the contact number of the person assigned to affix the number plate at home.

Rosmerta Safety Systems Private Limited said it has streamlined the entire process.

“Our capacity to manufacture HSRP is now 20,000 plates per day and there are over 300 dealers from where clients can pick up the plates or stickers. On an average, we are getting 2,500 bookings every day. From November till now, we have received a total of 23,400 orders, of which affixation of 21,169 plates has been completed through home delivery,” as spokesperson of the company said.

Last year, the Supreme Court-appointed Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA) had directed HSRP and colour-coded stickers for all vehicles by October 2019.