Uptake for the province’s new licence plate and its wildlife-themed variations remains positive just over a week since the plates went on sale, Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Robert Vessey says.
“The new licence plate design has proven popular with the driving public and we’re pleased that Islanders have been eager to put it on their vehicles,” Minister Vessey said. “When purchasing their plate, drivers also have the option to add a conservation-themed image that helps fund wildlife protection efforts right here in our province.”
Since September 20, Islanders have purchased 5,736 of the new licence plates, which replace five existing designs and will better identify vehicles to law enforcement. They prominently feature Province House and recognize Prince Edward Island’s role in the creation of Canada.
Motorists have one year to purchase the new plate for $5 and can do so at any time, but must replace their old plate with the new plate when renewing their vehicle registration at any Access PEI location or online at www.gov.pe.ca/highwaysafety. The new plate is free for anyone who purchased a licence plate within the past year.
For an additional $10 annual fee, Islanders can choose a plate with the image of either a Red Fox, Canada Goose, Blue Jay (provincial bird), Brook Trout, or Lady’s Slipper (provincial flower). So far, 319 of the new plates sold have been conservation-themed, with the Red Fox being the most popular. All proceeds go to the Wildlife Conservation Fund (www.gov.pe.ca/forestry/WCF), which funds efforts to protect and enhance wildlife and habitat.
The conservation plates resulted from a partnership between the Prince Edward Island Wildlife Federation and the provincial departments of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, Agriculture and Forestry, and Environment, Labour and Justice.
“Before, the Wildlife Conservation Fund received its revenue only from the purchase of hunting, fishing or trapping licences,” said Duncan Crawford, president of the PEI Wildlife Federation. “Now, these conservation licence plates make it possible for anyone to contribute to the fund and support wildlife in our province.”
“I congratulate members of the Wildlife Conservation Fund for their work to develop this innovative way to help fund conservation work on PEI,” said Agriculture and Forestry Minister George Webster. “The new plates complement the annual contributions that anglers, hunters and trappers make to the fund, and give those who don’t participate in these activities a way to contribute.”
“The new conservation plates will be a visible reminder of the importance of wildlife and its conservation in our province,” said Environment, Labour and Justice Minister Janice Sherry. “The funds raised from the sale of these plates will further enhance the protection of our natural environment.”