By Politico Staff Writer
The Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) has introduced a new form of vehicle number plate. The Authority on Monday officially launched the new number plate at its Kissy road, Freetown headquarters. The upgraded features on the plate, according to Adisa Dosunmu of the Authority’s Management Information System, would help eliminate fake ones, and possibility of their transfer from one vehicle to another.
There are now android devices that would scan a QR Bar Code on the number plate and enable details about it including the vehicle it was registered with. The three unique features on the plate are the QR Bar Code, the SLRSA Seal and the Coat of Arms of Sierra Leone.
SLRSA Executive Secretary, Ibrahim Sannoh informed the gathering that the initiative could put an end to the production of fake number plates that has long become a national security concern. He said there have been numerous cases to do with fake number plates that are before the Police and Courts. Sannoh was hopeful that the development would put an end to that wrongful chapter in the road transport sector. He pointed out that the new system was in line with President Julius Maada Bio’s digitalization agenda for all Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
Sara Trading, International Associated Services and Bilhaq Trading and Construction System are the three companies contracted to produce vehicle license plates for the Authority. Speaking on behalf of the three companies, Sheikh A. Fofanah described the new features on the plate as unique and disclosed that Sierra Leone is the first country in the sub-region to have the system. He noted that other countries have been highly impressed at the initiative by SLRSA, and have expressed their desire to introduce a similar process in their countries.
Fofanah said the upgrade was entirely done by the companies that are locally owned and commended the SLRSA boss and his deputy for giving premium to Local Content Policy. He said they would ensure more securitized vehicle number plates are produced in conformity with West African Standard.
It was also made known that printing of the new number plates had attracted no new cost. SLRSA has undertaken some transformative processes in recent months such as the E- Fitness technology for vehicle examiners; work is also at an advanced stage that would see the launching of the first biometric driver’s license in the country.
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