High security number plates to secure vehicles against theft

After a delay of almost 10 years, the transport department is all set to make the use of high security registration plates (HSRP) mandatory in the Capital. Atul Mathur reports.

After a delay of almost 10 years, the transport department is all set to make the use of high security registration plates (HSRP) mandatory in the Capital.

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With five safety features - chromium base chakra hologram, India inscripted hot stamping foil, seven-digit unique laser code, self-destructive windshield sticker and non-removable snap lock - HSRP will protect vehicles from theft.

It will also prevent anti-social elements from using a vehicle with fake number plates while committing a crime, as the number plate will break if somebody tries to remove or replace it.

A senior transport department official said that initially new vehicles registered in Delhi from January 1, 2012 onwards would have high security registration plates.

"Once the system is streamlined, we will start replacing convention number plates with tamper-proof high security plates in older vehicles. It will take at least six months before we can start replacing plates in older vehicles," he said.

While more than 1,300 vehicles are added to Delhi's vehicular population everyday, more than 69 lakh vehicles were registered in the city till March 31, this year.

According to officials, the new registration plate for a car will cost R417 (plus taxes), while a two-wheeler plate will cost R267. "Each automobile dealer will be authorised to sell new registration plates. We will also open one centre each at Delhi's 13 road transport authority offices," the official said.

"We have appointed DIMTS as our consultant for the project. DIMTS will purchase the number plates from vendors and get it installed," the official added.

While the ministry of road, transport and highways had come up with the law for HSRP in March 2001, the states have continued to defer it. Apart from Delhi, which has now decided to implement it, only four other states - Goa, Sikkim, Meghalaya and Himachal Pradesh - have made HSRP mandatory so far. West Bengal, Rajasthan and Karnataka are also trying to join the club.