More 'Offensive' Number Plates Banned

It's Monday morning (ish) again already. Is it just me, or is time really starting to fly by these days? I fear it's a sign that I'm getting old. Old people always grumble about time going too quickly.

Anyway, many of you will be familiar with our reports on banned number plates. The DVLA has banned quite a few surprising combinations, while states in the USA continue to baffle us by withholding certain numbers. Well, this time it's the turn of Sweden. I heard today that Swedish authorites have added a list of 148 number plate combinations that are viewed to be unacceptable.

Obvious three-letter withdrawals are such combinations as XXX, LSD and SEX. However, and I'm sure you knew this was coming, the Swedish Road Administration has also removed less obvious choices. Isn't that a surprise! HUS (house), SJU (seven) and NEJ (no) have also been removed. Why? A spokeman for the SRA said that "people have very creative imaginations." OK, I understand that there's some imaginative folk out there, but, um...I still don't get it. Not really.

The Swedish authorities also seem to have a particular concern over upsetting those who are easily angered. HAT (hate) and ARG (angry) have also been withdrawn. Are the authorities worried that they'll upset those undergoing anger management, or do they fear the plates could encourage a nationwide increase in grumpiness?

It's interesting to hear that, after all this careful thinking, a certain 'F' word, often used in moments of anger, is still available. Hmm, perhaps the Swedish authorities ought to have another think. Just a thought...

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