Latest news with #SOPA
The Citizen
a day ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
Gauteng to unveil new cutting-edge provincial number plate system
There were discussions about 'self-destructing' number plates which sound like the revolving system on James Bond's 1964 Aston Martin DB5. An example of what the number plate piloted by G-Fleet vehicles in Gauteng will look like. Pictures: iStock and Government Gazette Motor vehicles in Gauteng will soon feature new, cutting-edge technology and possibly James Bond 007-style number plates, in an effort to mitigate criminal activity. Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, along with MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, is expected to preside over the launch of the new provincial number plate system at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg on Thursday. James Bond style Lesufi first mentioned the new number plate project during his State of the Province Address (SOPA) last year, where he outlined plans to overhaul the region's number plate system. At the time, there were discussions about 'self-destructing' number plates, which may have sounded like the clever revolving system on James Bond's 1964 Aston Martin DB5. However, the new system may very well be the future of Gauteng number plates. The notice was published in the Government Gazette, signed by Transport Minister Barbara Creecy, who exempted provincial government cars (the G-Fleet) trialling the number plates from using regular number plates. ALSO READ: The driver's licence machine is fixed, but another problem remains 'Cutting edge' According to the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport, the new number plate system, which it calls 'the first of its kind, is cutting-edge, technological and tamper-proof.' 'This new system is a secure, traceable, and smart number plate solution, incorporating tamper-evident decals, forensic QR codes, and a fully digitised back-end portal.' 'It makes use of technological interventions aimed at tackling criminal activities including vehicle theft, fraud and cloning thereby enhancing and streamlining traffic law-enforcement as well as improving road safety in the province,' the department said. Pilot project The department said G-Fleet Management vehicles will be affixed with the new number plates as part of the six-month pilot project, before a provincial rollout. 'The system is expected to strengthen the vehicle registration and law enforcement landscape, eradicating the use of cloned or fraudulent number plates and facilitate interoperability with SADC systems, amongst others. 'Furthermore, the provincial government will also welcome enforcement officers from the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) to beef up traffic law-enforcement operations,' the department said. The province's current provincial number plate system is also nearing the end of the possible character combinations for identifying specific vehicles, possibly necessitating the implementation of the new system. ALSO READ: R400m driving licence tender takes wrong turn
New York Post
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Shirtless Iggy Pop, 78, wheeled off the stage in a coffin during shocking farewell concert
Iggy Pop has left the building. The rock legend, 78, ended his farewell concert in Manchester, England on Saturday by climbing into a coffin and being wheeled off the stage. Iggy performed shirtless at the O2 Victoria Warehouse. After singing his final song, he got into the casket while wearing black pants and shoes. 9 Iggy Pop performs at Alexandra Palace in London on May 28. Samir Hussein/WireImage 9 Iggy Pop gets into a coffin during his concert in Manchester. IggyPop/X The musician shared a clip of the shocking moment on his Instagram, writing, 'LONDON We know how it started and this is how it ended. Would love to see some splendid and witty captions for this one!' While sharing the video on X (formerly Twitter), Iggy wrote, 'London was a hoot! How you exit is equally important to how you enter.' 9 Iggy Pop leaves the stage in a casket. IggyPop/X In the comments of a TikTok clip, fans reacted to Iggy's dramatic exit from the stage. 'I'd expect nothing less of Iggy Pop,' one fan wrote. 'What a legend, he's one of the last ones left,' another fan said. 'That's one unforgettable farewell! Iggy Pop always knows how to make a statement,' someone else wrote. A fourth fan commented, 'What a wild and unforgettable way to end a concert! Only Iggy Pop could pull something like this off.' 9 Iggy Pop performs in Manchester, England on May 31. Andy Von Pip/SOPA Images/Shutterstock 9 Iggy Pop singing on stage at The Victoria Warehouse in Manchester. Andy Von Pip/SOPA Images/Shutterstock 9 Iggy Pop performs for fans at his farewell concert in London Getty Images Iggy (whose real name is James Newell Osterberg Jr.) is on his Lust For Life Tour. His next show is in Glasgow on Wednesday. Last month, Iggy was asked if he's considering retirement as he approaches 60 years in the music industry. 9 Iggy Pop performs in the United Kingdom in 1977. Redferns 'The central job has a lot to do with beating on things, strumming things, waving your arms about, and opening your mouth to yell or talk or sing a melody. And I enjoy those things,' he told Rolling Stone. 9 Iggy Pop in Cannes, France in May 2024. Getty Images for Magnum 'I think there are days where I think, 'Oh, I'd like to be by the sea with my feet up,' of which I do at least a few times every year, but to actually shut down the part of you that needs to compete, that needs to move forward and just imagine that you're going to enjoy [that]? I don't think so,' he continued. 'I don't think that works.' 9 Iggy Pop performs at Alexandra Palace in England on May 28. Getty Images The 'Godfather of Punk' added: 'Sometimes I think, well, maybe I could be one of these guys that just takes lots of mega vitamins and does push-ups when he's 92 or something, to see how long I could live, but I don't think I could do that either. So I'm just somebody who's lucky that I found something to do when I was a pre-teen and I can still do it.' Iggy rose to fame as a member of the Stooges in the 1960s. As a solo artist, he's released 19 studio albums since 1977. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010.
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Warning to anyone with Blue Badge over ‘misunderstood rule' that could land you with £1,000 fine or see you lose permit
Scroll down to find out how to apply for a Blue Badge FARE GAME Warning to anyone with Blue Badge over 'misunderstood rule' that could land you with £1,000 fine or see you lose permit Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BLUE Badge holders have been issued a warning over a "misunderstood rule" that could leave drivers with a £1000 fine. The Blue Badge scheme was set up to help those with mobility issues by allowing them easier access to parking. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Blue Badges are given to those with mobility issues Credit: SOPA Images/LightRocket via Gett 2 Your Blue Badge must be clearly displayed Credit: Alamy However, there is often confusion over when it can be used, with recent figures from the RAC revealing that theft and misuse of Blue Badges has risen by a over 1000% since 2016. Where Can Blue Badge Holders Park? It is often wrongly assumed that having a Blue Badge allows you to park anywhere. However, this is not the case. Blue Badge holders are not permitted to park anywhere where their vehicle could endanger others or obstruct access, such as near junctions, bus stops, or the entrance to hospitals. Where To Display a Blue Badge Blue Badge holders must always ensure to display their badge clearly on the dashboard, with the relevant details on show. Some people mistakenly think that its OK to borrow a Blue Badge from someone, or use it whilst the holder is not present, but this is not the case. People who use someone else's Blue Badge, when the badge holder is not in the car could be subject to a £1000 fine. Using a badge that has expired and failing to return a badge that is no longer needed can also lead to hefty fines. How To Get A Blue Badge In England, Wales and Scotland, you can apply for a Blue Badge on the website. Some people qualify for the badge automatically, whilst others are assessed on an individual basis. My car was towed from disabled parking spot even though I have a badge - I had to pay £100s but it's the council's fault Local councils are in charge of assessing eligibility for badges, with applications taking up to 12 weeks. If the council decides you are not eligible for the badge, you can request them to reconsider your application. Badges in England cost £10, whilst in Scotland, they are priced at £20. Badges in Wales are free. Are you missing out on benefits? YOU can use a benefits calculator to help check that you are not missing out on money you are entitled to Charity Turn2Us' benefits calculator works out what you could get. Entitledto's free calculator determines whether you qualify for various benefits, tax credit and Universal Credit. and charity StepChange both have benefits tools powered by Entitledto's data. You can use Policy in Practice's calculator to determine which benefits you could receive and how much cash you'll have left over each month after paying for housing costs. Your exact entitlement will only be clear when you make a claim, but calculators can indicate what you might be eligible for. Blue Badges in England and Wales typically last for three years, after which holders must reapply. However, some badges are valid until the end of certain benefits, such as Personal Independence Payments. Reminders of expiration are not sent out to badge holders, so you have to keep an eye on the date yourself, and apply for renewal 12 weeks in advance.
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Warning to anyone with Blue Badge over ‘misunderstood rule' that could land you with £1,000 fine or see you lose permit
BLUE Badge holders have been issued a warning over a "misunderstood rule" that could leave drivers with a £1000 fine. The Blue Badge scheme was set up to help those with mobility issues by allowing them easier access to 2 Blue Badges are given to those with mobility issues Credit: SOPA Images/LightRocket via Gett 2 Your Blue Badge must be clearly displayed Credit: Alamy However, there is often confusion over when it can be used, with recent figures from the Where Can Blue Badge Holders Park? It is often wrongly assumed that having a Blue Badge allows you to park anywhere. However, this is not the case. Blue Badge holders are not permitted to park anywhere where their vehicle could endanger others or obstruct access, such as near junctions, bus stops, or the entrance to hospitals. Read more motors stories Where To Display a Blue Badge Blue Badge holders must always ensure to display their badge clearly on the dashboard, with the relevant details on show. Some people mistakenly think that its OK to borrow a Blue Badge from someone, or use it whilst the holder is not present, but this is not the case. People who use someone else's Blue Badge, when the badge holder is not in the car could be subject to a £1000 fine. Using a badge that has expired and failing to return a badge that is no longer needed can also lead to hefty fines. Most read in Fabulous How To Get A Blue Badge In England, Some people qualify for the badge automatically, whilst others are assessed on an individual basis. My car was towed from disabled parking spot even though I have a badge - I had to pay £100s but it's the council's fault Local councils are in charge of assessing eligibility for badges, with applications taking up to 12 weeks. If the council decides you are not eligible for the badge, you can request them to reconsider your application. Badges in England cost £10, whilst in Scotland, they are priced at £20. Badges in Wales are free. Are you missing out on benefits? YOU can use a benefits calculator to help check that you are not missing out on money you are entitled to Charity Entitledto's and charity StepChange both have benefits tools powered by Entitledto's data. You can use Your exact entitlement will only be clear when you make a claim, but calculators can indicate what you might be eligible for. Blue Badges in England and Wales typically last for three years, after which holders must reapply. However, some badges are valid until the end of certain benefits, such as Personal Independence Payments . Reminders of expiration are not sent out to badge holders, so you have to keep an eye on the date yourself, and apply for renewal 12 weeks in advance.
The Age
28-05-2025
- Business
- The Age
Rosehill won't become a mini-city, but there's a Plan B just down the metro line
The contentious plan to make Rosehill Gardens racecourse a mini-city of 25,000 homes has failed, but the 'Plan B' that Premier Chris Minns said he was searching for could be one metro stop away: Sydney Olympic Park. The former chief planner for NSW has called on the Minns government to develop the hectares of underused public land into a 'TOD-like' precinct centred around its future metro station. Gary White, who was the planning leader for NSW from 2015 to 2019, said the government should rip up an under-review masterplan for the site, which he said severely 'undercooked' the level of development possible, and replace it with a liberal zoning plan resembling those in the government's transport-oriented development (TOD) precincts which allow higher buildings. 'Here is what is in effect a greenfield site right in the middle of the metropolitan fabric of Sydney, where you don't have incredibly fragmented land ownership patterns, where it's not difficult to assemble realistic development options going forward,' said White, who now works as chief planner at Solve Property, which represents several clients in the affected area. 'Just align it with what the government is saying around density and TODs as opposed to putting forward a product that doesn't necessarily reflect that conversation.' The call comes following the narrow defeat of a long-mooted plan for the state to purchase Rosehill racecourse, just east of Parramatta, for $5 billion, and turn it into a 'mini-city' of 25,000 homes. But it also comes as the state government and the agency responsible for the Olympic Games area, the Sydney Olympic Park Authority (SOPA), consider a new masterplan that currently budgets for just 13,000 homes. Last month the Herald revealed SOPA was considering seriously increasing zoning allowances to allow more homes in the suburb. Metro West, which will run between the Sydney CBD and Westmead from 2032, will have a stop at Sydney Olympic Park. Given the line's 'incredible connectivity' to the rest of Sydney, the population needed to be denser, White said. 'We start to look at the population yields that we're getting, you're undercooking it … Take it up to a 70,000 population figure, something more attuned to the level of investment that's gone into crafting that infrastructure.'
