FRSC, VIO deny commercial drivers new number plates.

There is palpable sense of anxiety among many vehicle owners in the Federal Capital Territory as the deadline set by the Federal Road Safety Corps for motorists to obtain the new number plate comes close.

The deadline is September 30, 2013.

Although the FRSC says it has set up plants in Gwagwalada, FCT and Awka in Anambra State to produce enough number plates, the corps  has not met the demands even as motorists complain about the non-availability of the product.

Commercial bus drivers are particularly apprehensive over the decision of the FRSC and the FCT Directorate of Road Transport,  otherwise known as Vehicle Inspection Officers, not to allow them to apply for the new number plates.

Though a sizable number of vehicles are already sporting the new plates, many others are still using the old ones in the city.

Findings indicate that many motorists,  especially commercial taxi cab drivers,  are worried over the deadline,  which they feel will compel them to pay about N32,000 for the number plates.

The FRSC  Corps Marshal,  Osita Chidoka, says the official rate for the new number plate is N15,000, while replacement is N10,000.

According to him,  the cost of the new driver’s licence is N6,000 while that of motorcycle operators is N3,000. The Standard Motor Vehicle number plate, costs N15,000; Articulated Vehicles, N20,000; Out of Series, N40,000; Fancy, N15,000; and Dealer, N30,000. However, licensing officials of the FRSC and the VIO charge far above the official rate.

But a VIO officer, on condition of anonymity, confirms that there is a standing order not to issue the number plates to the commercial drivers. According to him, it is part of the strategies to bar recalcitrant unauthorised bus drivers from plying the city.

Go and get yours now if you haven’t because am sure the prize will definitely hit the roof as the deadline draws near. I have gotten mine.