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 Tendai Mugabe Senior Reporter
THE Zimbabwe National Road Administration yesterday extended the vehicle licensing deadline to June 30 following long queues that characterised its new system.
The initial deadline was today.
Zinara has introduced a computerised vehicle licensing system to curb counterfeiting.
Motorists who fail to meet the new deadline will pay an all-inclusive penalty of US$45 in addition to the US$20 charged for vehicle licence registration.
The penalty comprises US$20 fine, US$20 arrears fee and US$5 administration fee.
Zinara spokesperson Mr Augustine Moyo said they extended the deadline owing to what was happening at registration sites countrywide.
The issuing of the new licence discs was affected by power cuts as Zesa Holdings has intensified load-shedding following the beginning of the winter season.
Mr Moyo said they were communicating with the police to stay arresting motorists for failing to display valid licence discs during the grace period.
“In consultation with the Minister of Transport, Communication and Infrastructural Development, Cde Nicholas Goche, we have extended the vehicle registration deadline to June 30.
“This decision follows an outcry from motorists, transporters and companies that they will not be able to meet the May 31 deadline.
“A careful assessment of what has been happening at most licensing stations has shown that power cuts were affecting our system.
“What we have done as an administration is to acquire generators for all Zimpost licensing sites to ensure the public is not inconvenienced.”
Mr Moyo urged Zimbabweans living in South Africa to take advantage of the grace period to acquire the new discs.
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It is estimated that there are about 20 000 Zimbabwean-registered vehicles in South Africa, most of which are not properly licensed.
Mr Moyo said the new system abolished the fixed vehicle licence term system.
A vehicle licensing term will now start every month that a motorist registers the vehicle.
“This is the last time that Zimbabweans are queueing for vehicle licences. Now they will get discs as and when they need them,” said Mr Moyo.
Discs will be issued for a term of four months, six months and 12 months.
Mr Moyo said the new system will enable Zinara account for revenue collected at all licensing sites across the country.
“Computerisation is the way to go,” said Mr Moyo.
“The aim of this new system is to provide effective control and accountability with maximum revenue collection.
“With this new system, we will be able to know the amount of revenue collected at every site on a daily basis.”
The new system, Mr Moyo said, will help Zinara to determine the country’s vehicle population.
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