Gauteng bags R28.1 bn for road upgrades, launches high-tech number plates

The Gauteng Department of Transport (GDoT) has been allocated R9.4 billion for the 2024/2025 financial year, bringing its total budget over the 2027 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) to R28.1 billion.

Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Roads and Transport, made this announcement during her annual budget vote in July.

For the 2024/2025 financial year alone, the Gauteng Department of Transport (GDoT) has been granted R9.4 billion. This budget is earmarked for various critical areas: R672 million for administration, R2.2 billion for operational expenses and subsidies of the Gautrain Management Agency, R2.7 billion for road infrastructure, and R3 billion for transport operations.

In addition to the provincial budget, the National Department of Transport has allocated R4.2 billion to the GDoT through conditional grants. These grants include the Provincial Roads Maintenance Grant, Public Transport Operations Grant, and EPWP Integrated Grant, collectively contributing R12.1 billion over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF).

“These resources will be strategically directed towards various priorities, including the completion of ongoing road infrastructure projects and the introduction of new, secure, and tamper-proof number plates featuring an innovative track and trace system,” said Diale-Tlabela.

Gauteng, South Africa’s most populous province, has seen the value of its provincial road network surge from R25.5 billion in 2010 to over R40 billion today. The network spans 45,638 kilometres, including 4,200 kilometres of paved roads and 1,438 kilometres of unpaved roads, along with 676 bridges and 428 culverts.

New number plates on the horizon

Alongside the budget announcement, Diale-Tlabela revealed plans to introduce new number plates in the province. A prototype number plate recognition system has been developed and is set to be piloted on government vehicles within the next six months.

“We are pleased to announce that a prototype number plate recognition system has been completed and is now ready for pilot through our fleet management entity: g-Fleet Management,” Diale-Tlabela stated.

The pilot will include the creation of a portal integrating g-Fleet Management vehicle data with the National Traffic Information System, system testing, and deployment to selected embossers and blankers. Upon successful completion, the new plates, designed to prevent cloning and enhance safety, will be rolled out to private vehicles across the province.

“Wide-ranging consultations with all stakeholders are currently underway to ensure the rollout is implemented in a just and fair manner, accommodating all interested parties, including vehicle owners,” added Diale-Tlabela.

This initiative aims to enhance security and establish greater accountability within the vehicle registration process.

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