MICRODOT STANDARD SANS 534-1

In its ongoing research into the latest methods of combating vehicle crime, the Department of Transport first came across the microdot system in 2005. Further investigation revealed that the concept had immense potential, and as a result it was included in our Road Safety Strategy from 2006 onwards.

At that time no standard existed for microdots, and not much could be done to have the concept included in legislation. The Department therefore welcomes the publication and launch of SANS 534-1. Although this standard is voluntary at this stage, it is the first of its kind in the world and as a result South Africa is very much at the cutting edge of developments in this area. The Department is convinced that the robustness of the microdot system makes it eminently suitable for utilisation in South Africa. In a recent experiment a vehicle to which microdots had been applied was blown up with explosives, and the microdots were found to be intact afterwards.

The Department wishes to make it clear that today marks the start of a consultative process with all spheres of government to have this concept included in legislation. Applying microdots to vehicles is a highly effective strategic response to the challenge of fraud and corruption, and will be treated as such in the Road to Safety Strategy moving forward. To ensure that thorough consultation takes place, the Department has placed microdots on the agenda of its legislative forums. We are confident that this outstanding system will be an invaluable addition to the array of techniques used to combat vehicle crime in this country and look forward to reaping the benefits of its introduction in the very near future.

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