Roadtown, Tortola - Scores of people converged upon the Ellis Thomas Downs today to change over their CM vehicle licence plates to PV to be in compliance with the 2009 road traffic regulations.
“I am pleased to see the turnout and how cooperative the public has been in supporting this initiative, I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you,” Mrs. Myrna Ferdinand, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works, told the Department of Information and Public Relations. “
Representatives from the Ministry of Communications and Works and the Vehicle Licensing Department were on site from 7:00a.m. this morning to facilitate the transfers.
“About 100 vehicle plates have already been changed and we expect another hundred by the day’s end,” Deputy Chief Licensing Officer, Mr. Roy Hill said when he was interviewed at 11:00 a.m. today.
Among the many businesses, departments and entities represented were BVI Electricity Corporation, BVI Ports Authority and the National Bank of the Virgin Islands.
“We brought 26 vehicles, the paper work process was fairly simple and the transfer went smoothly,” Vehicle Maintenance Supervisor with BVIEC, Mr. Damian Creque told the Department of Information and Public Relations.
Residents are advised that they are now required by law to ensure that their vehicle bears the correct license plate in compliance with the amended road traffic regulations
CM refers to those vehicles owned and registered in the name of a business, the owner of which has a valid trade license and where the operations of the business require the use of a particular piece of equipment or vehicle, specifically designed or constructed for that type of work. Such vehicles include but are not limited to cranes, motor graders, articulated, concrete, water, tipper or sanitation trucks, tankers and also those specifically constructed for the operation and which carry no more than three passengers.
Companies and businesses not fitting these criteria will need to change their plates to PV. CM to PV license plate transfers will continue at the Ellis Thomas Downs in Sea Cow’s Bay on September 3 to 4, 7 to 8, 11 and 14 to 18 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Persons are reminded that they should have their vehicle, proof of registration and insurance when doing the licence plate transfer.
Government is seeking the cooperation and support of all parties involved to make the transitions as smooth as possible. The license plate transfers are part of efforts to provide efficient and accurate services in vehicle licensing matters and to enhance drivers’ safety in compliance with the road traffic legislation of the Territory.
British Virgin Islands News