New number plates: Auto firms, dealers in the dark

According to A Rajagopal, the director of operations of city-based Chennai Eco Motors, dealers and manufacturers are in the dark. “The Transport Department has not yet sent any communication. I doubt if anything is happening at other levels,” he said.

Stating that they were yet to receive any directions from the government, a manufacturer said on condition of anonymity that they were concerned about being made liable for its non-implementation after the department finalises it in the last minute.

A State Transport Authority (STA) official said though a tender was floated, it has already been deferred as many as 17 times already because a case is pending before the Madras High Court. “The April 1 deadline is likely to be missed,” the official added, pointing out that there should be enough time to put the necessary infrastructure and supply chain in place.

Pointing out that a Government Order (GO) was issued in December asking the dealers and manufacturers to coordinate, he maintained that the government has been taking steps in this regard. Though tenders were floated, the petition demanding modification of conditions has led to the delay.

The original tender document said the shortlisted firm should provide field performance warranty for the retro-reflective sheeting for five years. The new registration plates would have 15-year guarantee, making dealers liable to provide replacement if HSRP is damaged. The existing vehicles can migrate to HSRP only after the old plates have been surrendered and destroyed.