Temporary vehicle number plate, associated criminal activity

It is concerning the misuse of temporary car number plates. The rise in criminal incidents involving vehicles with temporary plates has sparked debate about the effectiveness of current regulations and the need for stricter monitoring.

Temporary car number plates, also known in Ghana as DV Plate, are intended to be used for a short duration, while awaiting the issuance of permanent license plates. 

They display a unique identification number for identification purposes. However, in Ghana, one temporary number plate could be used to tag any vehicle at any given time, these plates are increasingly being exploited by criminals to engage in illicit activities while evading detection and accountability.

One of the primary issues with temporary plates is lack of a centralised database or stringent verification process. Criminal elements have been taking advantage of this loophole, using temporary plates to commit crimes such as robberies, hit-and-runs and drug trafficking. 

The ease of obtaining temporary plates without extensive documentation has made it a convenient tool for those seeking to avoid scrutiny. People even rent out these plates on a daily basis.

Law enforcement agencies are facing numerous challenges in combating these activities. Since temporary plates are not linked to any specific individual or vehicle, tracing the perpetrators becomes a daunting task. This lack of accountability hampers investigations and allows criminals to evade capture and escape justice.

Proposals

To address this growing concern, various proposals have been put forward. One suggestion is to establish a centralised database that tracks the issuance and usage of temporary plates. 

Such a database would enable law enforcement agencies to quickly identify the owner of the vehicle and track its movements during the specified period. 

Additionally, implementing stricter regulations for obtaining temporary plates, including thorough background checks and identification verification, could serve as deterrent to those with malicious intentions.

Authorities should consider the use of technology to mitigate the misuse of temporary plates. The integration of automated license plate recognition systems, surveillance cameras, and artificial intelligence algorithms could enhance the detection and identification of vehicles with temporary plates involved in suspicious activities. 

These measures would enable law enforcement to respond swiftly and apprehend criminals before they attempt to escape or commit further offences.

It is perplexing why the Drivers and Vehicles Licensing Authority (DVLA) has hitherto not implemented a foolproof method to ensure that each vehicle requesting a temporary number plate is assigned a unique identification number. 

By implementing this system, the temporary number would become invalid once the vehicle is registered with permanent plates, effectively preventing its misuse.

Crucial

It is crucial that the DVLA assigns a unique identification number to every vehicle that requests a temporary number plate, we can significantly reduce the risk of criminal activities associated with such plates. 

Once the vehicle undergoes the registration process and receives permanent plates, the temporary number should become obsolete and void, ensuring it cannot be used for any nefarious purposes.

Implementing this system would provide law enforcement agencies with a reliable and efficient method of tracking vehicles involved in criminal activities. 

It would also enhance accountability, making it easier to identify the owners of vehicles with temporary plates during specific periods. This, in turn, would assist in investigations and bring perpetrators to justice swiftly.

It is important that those in charge recognise the urgency of this matter and take proactive steps towards implementing a more secure system. 

This would involve thorough evaluation and planning to ensure that all necessary mechanisms are in place to assign unique identification numbers to vehicles requesting temporary number plates.

The writer is Chief Financial Officer, Esoko Limited, Accra.
E-mail: agyemang.william@gmail.com