International vehicle plate distribution launched in Herat

HERAT CITY (Pajhwok): Local officials in western Herat province have begun distributing international vehicle number plates to taxis, buses and cargo trucks operating between Afghanistan and Iran.

Abdul Wadood Khairkhah, Director of the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department, said during a visit to Herat that the distribution programme had been launched for the first time in Herat and would be extended to other provinces in later phases.

He urged drivers of cross-border vehicles to visit the Herat Traffic Department to obtain their international number plates.

Meanwhile, Samonyar Tawakal, Director of Cross-Border Plate Distribution at the General Directorate of Traffic, said the new plates for buses, taxis and cargo trucks were designed in line with international standards and differed from previous plates.

He added that around 600 buses and taxis, along with nearly 7,000 cargo trucks in Herat province, were expected to receive the plates.

Separately, Mawlawi Sher Mohammad Hijazi, head of the traffic department, said the distribution process would be completed within a short timeframe through simple procedures.

He noted that the international plates would ease cross-border travel and help prevent difficulties for drivers beyond the border.

Officials said the initiative would improve traffic management, facilitate vehicle movement and strengthen transit cooperation between Afghanistan and neighbouring countries, particularly Iran.

hz/sa