Government launches new number plates to curb vehicle theft.

The Government has launched new motor vehicle registration number plates set to revolutionise motor vehicle identification in the country through use of modern chip technology.

The new plates, developed by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), are geared towards taming the rising cases of car theft and traffic offences.

NTSA Director of Communications Dido Guyatu said the plates bear an inbuilt chip to store firsthand information about the vehicle and ownership. This will enhance quick identification and tracking of both private and public service vehicles in the country.

Guyatu disclosed that the government would start issuing the new plates in March this year, adding that by July, all vehicles in the country would have the new identification.

Recently, NTSA was on the receiving end following delay in supply of number plates for motor dealers who were forced to wait for long periods before their vehicles were registered.

The transport body was established by the National Transport and Safety Authority Act 2012 to bring about sanity on the roads.

It brings under one roof all the functions of motor vehicle registration, transport licensing, motor vehicle inspection, driver testing, road safety and traffic law enforcement.