Friday, 31 October 2008

Number Plates For Halloween

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Before I head off for a spot of Trick or Treating (I've become so fond of free Haribo sweets and being handed the odd couple of quid that I've been unable to outgrow the Halloween tradition), I thought I'd better say hello to everyone and provide you with another riveting dose of number plates thoughts before you all head off to your weekend of apple-bobbing and watching of horror films. (Yes, I assume that I am not alone in my love for All Hallows' Eve.)

Anyway, with this in mind, I thought I'd see what kinds of 'scary' car registrations are out there. Well, I had a look and I'm sure you're dying to know what I found. Well, if you're into that sort of thing, how about displaying S34 NCE or T4 ROT on your car? Then, there's Roger Hayes who appeared in our very own magazine (new edition now available!) who displays LU51 FER on his car.

Surely somebody out there owns W17 CCH, W13 KED or SP08 KYS? Wouldn't it be mean to follow kids around while they're Trick or Treating with a plate like that? Or maybe it'd just be funny...

Right, I can see that darkness is creeping up on us outside, so I'm gona throw on my Monster mask and get out of here!

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Thursday, 30 October 2008

Will The National Flags Issue Ever Be Resolved?

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On Monday, the subject of my number plates discussion was the extremely topical issue of national flags on car registration plates. The gist of the blog was that, although the DVLA announced its intention to include the Scottish, English and Welsh flags in its official rules, this change still hasn't happened, 7 whole years later! As a result, motorists are continuing to get fined, even though the DVLA expressed that the flags were permitted. Oh, it's all so confusing!

Like many other frustrated souls out there, I am left flummoxed by this baffling issue. Why, if the intention was there, has this alteration remained unchanged? How can the Government justify 'turning a blind eye' to flags? It's ludicrous!

Well, it seems that the Government may finally be hearing our cries of frustration. With mounting pressure from the media and MPs in parliament, it seems the proposed plan to finally alter the regulations is in the pipeline. But for how long will it remain there? And, after being misled for so long with ambiguous rules by the DVLA and the Government, what course of action, if any, is available to motorists who've been fined?

Blimey, if the DVLA had just got its rules right the first time, it would have saved us all a whole lot of bother and grief. But there's no telling some people, is there?

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Wednesday, 29 October 2008

Arizona Announces Fines For Illegal Plates

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Here in the UK, the rules regarding the display of number plates often get abused. I regularly see logos on number plates and crazy fonts that look like they've been designed by a drunkard who's just got off a roundabout. (Not a bad analogy there, I think. I've often found myself in the most unlikely of destinations while influenced by a few too many hits of the old vodka!)

Anyway, to get to my point. While some of us moan about possible fines and how strict the UK regulations are, it seems that other countries are beginning to tighten up on their rules too. Well, they are in the state of Arizona anyway. Over there, number plates frames are often put on to car registrations. Why? Well, drivers use them to display a certain message, or slogan. In some cases, it may show support for a particular sports team or charity.

Well, some citizens of Arizona are currently outraged at the announcement by the state's Department of Motor Vehicles that licence plate frames are more often than not obscuring registration numbers, as well as the 'Arizona' mark. As a result, come January '09, fines of around $130 will be issued to offending drivers. That's about 79 quid.

Well, I have to say that it's only sensible really. Drivers are being given a fair bit of time to make sure their registration numbers are clear, so I don't get what the fuss is about really. Safety on the roads is more important than showing that you support your local hockey team.

At least we don't need to worry about that sort of thing here in Britain. We know that it's far better to hunt down the perfect cherished number plate to display any messages we might have.

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Tuesday, 28 October 2008

Americans Tell A Story With Number Plates

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Welcome to a particularly nippy Tuesday afternoon. I was most annoyed this morning when I had to rummage around all the random clutter in my utilility room, desperately trying to locate an old scraper to get rid of the ice on my windscreen. That's right, ice. Most unexpected, I must say. It wasn't a good start.

However, I'm pleased to bring some uplifting number plates news to you all today. That's right - the sun is always shining in my heart. I was reading about a woman in North Carolina today. She hit the headlines as she currently owns two private registrations (or 'vanity plates, I should say). Firstly, there's 'INMYLMNT', which is on her Honda Element. I like it! Her second plate is 'ZPADDODA' ('Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah') which, she says, reflects her car, a VW Bug. I think I prefer the first one. The second one takes a wee bit too much working out, I think. If I see a good plate on my travels, I want it to be striking, making me smile immediately. I don't want to spend the rest of my journey sporting a scrunched up, confused face as I try to fathom the meaning! That wouldn't do at all.

Anyway, the news story went on to say that personalised number plates are increasing in popularity, big time, in the USA. Over a million drivers in Virginia own private plates, with other states not being too far behind. Stefan Lonce, an American author who's written a book on the subject, said: "Behind every one of those plates is someone's story." What a charming way of putting it. I Like it. Similarly to the UK, there are some great plates out there. A Jewish grandmother was recently spotted with 'IMABUBBE', while a trained trapeze artist with a Ph.D owns 'DR FLYER'.

So, the number plates bug is continuing to spread world-wide. I'd love to find out the percentage of private plates owners in the UK. Right, that's going on my 'To Do' list! (I'm not going to carry out a survey myself, I hasten to add. I'm hoping someone else has already done the hard work...)

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Monday, 27 October 2008

Anger Over Number Plates Fines

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On Friday, there was a bit of an anger-fuelled frenzy from motorists who read in the Daily Telegraph that, apart from the European Union flag, it is not legal to display national flag logos on car registration plates. The article went on to say that those who do display them face hefty fines, as well as a possible failed MOT.

Well, here at Regtransfers, we were confused. We've always been told by the DVLA that, although the rules have not yet been changed, other national flags are permitted. The Red Dragon, Scottish Saltire and Cross of St George may be displayed, even though they are currently not recognised in the DVLA's rules governing the display of number plates.

I'm sure you will not be surprised to hear that we felt it was our duty to look into this. After speaking directly to a spokesman for the DVLA, we were assured that our thoughts on the matter were indeed correct. However, the spokesman did go on to say that, although the DVLA advises police not to take legal action against the display of these number plates, it is, ultimately, up to the police to decide. As the current rules do not recognise the flags, police cannot be stopped from going strictly 'by the book'.

So, why haven't the rules been changed yet? It's been 7 years! I just don't understand why there has to be such a huge delay. The way things are at the moment, some drivers are able to drive around with no problem, while others are getting fined, simply because they happen to cross the path of a particularly miserly old police officer. Where's the justice in that?

Crikey, that's got me so wound up, I think I'm in need of a nice cup of tea to soothe me. And maybe I'll have some toast and jam while I'm at it. Oh, and perhaps a wee slice of cake. It's all go here you know, but I've got to get my energy from somewhere!

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Friday, 24 October 2008

Free Number Plates Mag: It's Another 'Beefy' Edition!

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Get ready to be excited....The new edition of the award-winning and highly fascinating magazine, Regtransfers.co.uk: The World Of Personal Number Plates is finally available! (OK, OK...I'm a fibber with the 'award-winning' part. But the 'fascinating' bit's true!)

Once again, the magazine is brimming with stories, number plates news from around the world, listings and so much more. Who's our cover star this time? It's England cricketing legend, Sir Ian Botham, OBE. He talks to us about his career and his tireless efforts as President of Leukaemia Research to raise funds. And, of course, there's a bit of natter about his brand new B33 FYS personalised number plate. To be honest, I always think of him as the "Shredded Wheat" man, but I think that reflects my generation. (Or maybe I'm just not a big cricket fan.)

Sir Ian's interview, as well as all the other stories, is really super, I must say. In fact, the whole thing is so marvellously put together that I DEMAND you to get a free copy now!

Well, I've got mine and I can tell you, there's no bar hopping for me tonight. I'm staying in with a nice cup of cocoa, a barrel of Jammy Dodgers and my copy of the best magazine around! I suggest you all do yourselves a favour and do the same.

Get your Free Number Plates Magazine now!

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Thursday, 23 October 2008

Personalised Number Plates Going Strong

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Afternoon all!

Today, I was pleased to see yet more uncontrollable, and most understandable, enthusiasm over personalised number plates. So far this year, sales for private registrations have been phenomenal. Who could forget the record-breaking sale of F 1 in February for £440,625? And, more recently, the purchases of S 1 and 6 B? And then there is, of course, the ambiguous story about Lewis Hamilton buying LEW 1S for £200,000. Even if it is a hoax, it just goes to show what lengths people will go to to write about the fascinating world of private number plates, and also shows just how much interest they attract. Oh, and I mustn't forget the release of the last 'F' registrations earlier this month. They made number plates enthusiasts positively crazy! Love it! (Blimey, I barely stopped for breath there!)

Anyway, to get to my point, the reason for today's post, an upcoming auction by the DVLA, which will take place next month, is expected to produce even more great sales of number plates. Hurray! Car model-related plates are being given a great deal of attention, with 36 JAG, 78 MG and BMW 1A, among others, expected to do tremendously. Also, another non car-related but splendid dateless registration, 1 RH, will be fought over by eager bidders.

I'm looking forward to hearing the results! (I would go there myself but, as I reported not too long ago, women do not go to number plates auctions due to fear of being up against men. I will stay at home and knit booties instead.)

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Wednesday, 22 October 2008

USA Number Plates Ramblings

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I woke up this morning with an unexpected desire to write about American license plates. When I say this, I do not mean that I wish to really write about American license plates. You know, dedicate my life to it and all that. No, no. Don't worry, I'm staying put and will continue to enchant you with number plates news from all over the world. Hurrah! (I can hear your applause from here. Thanks.)

Right, American license plates. As many of you may be aware, license plates differ from state to state in America. There's none of the nationwide uniformity we British enjoy over here. I read an interesting report about the different mottos you get from different states. Those who've made the wise choice of reading the Numberplates.com blog will be aware that Alabama's motto is soon to change to "Sweet Home Alabama", for example.

I read of a few others too. New York's car registration plates say "The Empire State", while New Jersey's sport the slogan, "Garden State". A couple of more interesting ones, in my opinion, are Montana with "Big Sky Country", and South Dakota with "Great Faces, Great Places". Such optimism!

But, first place in my little USA license plates contest has to go to Idaho with "Famous Potatoes". Now, who wouldn't immediately log onto the net and look up these supposed "famous potatoes"? It's ingenious! For those of you lacking the time, (and perhaps the inner-loser) Idaho produces a third of all potatoes grown in the USA. Well, that's just splendid. They should be very proud of themselves. As they indeed are. This is shown in their inclusion of it on their license plates. I'm not sure that famous is really the right word though...

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Tuesday, 21 October 2008

Untraceable Foreign Drivers Owe £4.5 million!

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Welcome, welcome to yet another Tuesday. Those of you familiar with this blog might be aware that I'm not the biggest fan of Tuesdays. There are several reasons for this, all of which I do not currently have time to delve into. Maybe I'll provide a bullet-pointed list for you later on. Nah, I'm sure you're all far more interested in the latest news from the world of number plates!

Well, today's blog is a little more to do with motoring, but I'm sure you'll be relieved to hear that number plates are, indeed, involved. As if I'd fail you! I read a report last night that foreign drivers owe London council more than £4.5 million in parking fines. And who do you reckon the worst culprits are? That's right - those with luxury "super cars". Do these drivers think they own the road? Believe they are too grand to pay?

As a result, the council wants legal access to foreign drivers' vehicle registration information overseas. When number plates are photographed in the UK at the moment, many foreign car registrations are untraceable, meaning that the drivers cannot be punished and never have to pay the fines. The council wants access to drivers' information overseas. (Yes, I am aware that I have said this twice. I am simply stressing the council's point.)

Doesn't sound like too much to ask to me. UK drivers have to pay the fines, so everybody else should have to too. Hmm, I wonder if UK drivers travelling abroad are traceable if they break any driving laws? Hmm, I'd better scribble myself a remider to look into that one.

I'm so glad I'm a well-behaved driver. Right, I'm off - I've got a dental appointment this lunchtime and no red light or slow-coach driver's gona stop me getting there this time!!

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Monday, 20 October 2008

Number Plates Pinched In Croydon (Sort-of)

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Hello and welcome to Monday morning. I trust you've all had a nice cup of tea to ease yourselves into the week ahead? I have! (Plus two coffees. After all, it is Monday.) Nothing like a good cuppa to set you up for the day ahead.

Today, I read a rather idiotic story, which I hope you'll appreciate. It involves a football coach and a trainee plumber. (I know, rather an odd couple. It's like seeing Minnie Mouse out on a date with The Terminator. Or perhaps not quite. Maybe I'm just rambling nonsense. I need another coffee.) Basically, the two men were caught trying to pinch a car's registration plates. However, the pair, both 20, attempted the crime in broad daylight and could only remove the back plate before realising they'd been spotted by neighbours.

In court, the rather ridiculous pair pleaded guilty to the crime but, when insisting that it was done on impulse and that they didn't mean to do it, the magistrate softened up and gave the offenders particularly lenient sentences. The football coach was fined £133 and had to pay £43 in costs, while the trainee plumber paid out a total of £109.

The magistrate said she wasn't going to be too hard on the boys because they only did it out of impulse. What? Of course they're going to say that. They got caught! My advice to all those living in and around the area of Shirley, Croydon is: Keep an eye on your number plates! (Particularly during the day. These guys seem silly enough to forget why they got caught the first time!)

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Friday, 17 October 2008

Car Registration Refused to Tasmanian Widower

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Good morning everybody! It's almost the weekend and I have indeed got that Friday feeling. Might just indulge in a bit of vodka and dancing tonight...

Those of you who read yesterday's blog (most of you, I'm sure) will know that I was complaining a wee bit about the DVLA's recent errors. Well, it seems that causing grief to drivers is by no means exclusive to the UK. I read today that a widower in the state of Tasmania, Australia was forced to pay an extra fee to register his car because the state's new registry system did not process information about his deceased wife.

When attempting to re-register his car, the 73 year old was told that his car registration could not be processed because his wife's details were not attached. The poor man was ordered to sign a statutory declaration to prove her death, and then had to pay a $120 fine to remove her name! Understandably upset, the man did protest, only to be told it was due to a computer glitch and that was that.

The Tasmanian government has since apologised to the man. I wonder if he got his money returned though? And I wonder who the next poor soul will be, having to deal with a similar "computer glitch"?

You know what, that's gone and got me all upset now. It really has. And just as we're getting to the weekend. I don't really feel like putting my dancing shoes on now...

Oh, what the heck! I'm sure the little Aussie man is over it now. Where's that vodka bottle and 80s Power Ballads CD?

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Thursday, 16 October 2008

DVLA's Latest Error

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I've read a few too many negative reports concerning the DVLA lately. Either they're suggesting they're still living in the 50s by paying women far less than men, or they're handing out fines to the wrong number plates owners, OR they're demanding the deceased to show up in court for offences they haven't even committed! (Mainly due to the fact that they weren't actually ALIVE to commit the dirty deed.)

I read today that a mother who had repeatedly opened letters on behalf of her deceased son finally had to resort to taking his ashes to court in order to prove that Paul Strange had passed away. Mrs. Strange had, on several occasions, contacted the DVLA to inform them of the situation, and even sent in a copy of Paul's death certificate. However, the letters continued to arrive. Finally, Paul was ordered to Workington Magistrates Court.

The case was immediately withdrawn and apologies made. It's not good enough though really, is it? To have to go to those measures is inexcusable. I understand the initial error - it happens. But, to fail to correct the mistake after being told several times...tut, tut. Let's hope it's a one off!

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Wednesday, 15 October 2008

Illegal Number Plates Being Watched

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I've never actually come across a report of a motorist being fined for illegal car number plates but, finally, the day has come. I have, at last, spotted a news item about a driver being fined for the misrepresentation of a personalised number plate. So it's true! Illegal number plates do get seen, and punishments are given.

Nina Garthwaite, who made the wise decision of purchasing a personalised registration, followed this up with the rather unwise decision of altering the spacing of the characters in order to represent her initials. As a result, she was spotted and has been ordered to pay a fine of £87. Hmm, I was under the impression that penalties for such an offence were going to be a little steeper. Or perhaps it depends on how indecipherable a plate actually is. Changing the spacing isn't as bad as covering up certain characters, or using a font that looks as though it's been penned by a 3 year old ape.

I still see an awful lot of illegal, difficult-to-read plates on the road though. It's odd that these plates are never spotted while Ms. Garthwaite's slightly misrepresented plate was targeted. Odd, very odd.

But there you go...evidence that number plates are being watched! (At least a little.)

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Tuesday, 14 October 2008

Fans Flock to Huddersfield For Chitty

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I'm told that there was much excitement over the weekend in Huddersfield due to a 'flying' visit from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang! The original car from the popular 1968 film was on show at CALA Homes' new Hexagon development, Birkby Lodge Road and admiring fans of all ages were there to take pictures with the impressive car which is reported to be in perfect condition.

Everybody has films that they fondly remember growing up with, and this is why most of us have an entry on our 'Favourite Movies' list that we prefer to keep secret. (Personally, mine is Babycakes, a disastrous 1980s film starring Rikki Lake, but i just have to love it.) For many, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is one of those films you can't help but cherish, and this explains the great turnout for the famous car's visit.

I didn't grow up with Chitty Chitty Bang Bang so I can't really get as excited about it all as genuine fans. However, I was interested to see that the car sports its very own personalised number plates, GEN 11. I took it upon myself to find out the significance of this car registration. Apparently, if read as 'genii', this means 'magical being' in Latin. Ah, I see. It is a flying car after all!

It's great to see that number plates were given such importance back in the 60s too. I might just go and watch the film now. Though, can I stand a whole two hours of a singing, dancing Dick Van Dyke? Hmm, we'll see...

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Monday, 13 October 2008

More 'Offensive' Number Plates Banned

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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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Friday, 10 October 2008

Speed Cameras Step Up a Gear

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There's been so much in the news lately about ANPR cameras being used to catch out tax evaders, stop long-stays at carparks, and even to try to prevent traffic congestion. I've read so much about these cameras being adopted all over the UK that I'm growing really rather tired of it all.

However, I came across some news today that might interest you - speed cameras that will monitor drivers' average speeds over a wide area are to appear on hundreds of UK roads next year. This means that those who drive over the speed limit, but slow down when approaching a camera (I'm sure there are plenty of you cheeky monkeys out there who do this!), will no longer get away with it and will have their car registrations snapped.

Apparently, it will be impossible to avoid the cameras and, unlike many cameras currently used, these new ones will never run out of film. (I'm impressed.) Up to 50 cameras will work together in a network, meaning that noone will get away with speeding, even if they make a detour from their main route.

Police trials of the cameras have already been successfully completed in London and it is estimated that the Home Office will approve the new technology by the end of January '09.

Although driving unlawfully fast is something many of us may be guilty of, the trials in London show that compliance from drivers has been high, with only one driver per 10,000 having to be fined between junctions 10 and 12 of the M4.

Right, that's the latest news on cameras. And I hope it'll be the last for a while at least.

Happy weekend, everyone! (And drive safely!)

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Thursday, 9 October 2008

'F' Car Registrations Prove Popular!

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Afternoon, folks!

Well, I am back to the office after a pleasant day off yesterday - it was my birthday, and I had a really nice day full of fun and merriment. (I'm sure you would want to know). I was a little disappointed to find that one of the great number plates I've been eyeing, 'LAU 2A', was not one of my presents on the day, but I can make do with my new CDs and earrings for now. Hey, there's always Christmas... Not long now!

I was pleased to hear that the release of the last 'F' car registrations was a major success - £3.42 million was made in ten hours and there were apparently 40,000 call attempts to the DVLA every hour! It's really good to see that the credit crisis isn't holding people back from buying private number plates. Personalised number plates continue to increase in value and consumers are clearly not forgetting this!

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Tuesday, 7 October 2008

Car and Number Plates STOWLN

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I've just read an article about a stolen car in New Zealand. What made this particular unlawful but rather commonplace event hit the news, I hear you wonder? (I realise that one cannot actually hear another person's wonderings, but you know what I'm getting at.) Well, the owner of the car had bought the number plate, 'STOWLN'. Hahahahaha...what an hilarious idea! Until it actually did get stolen....

Apparently, the New Zealander had been sitting around with his friends a few months ago thinking of great possible private number plates (at least the guy and his chums know how to amuse themselves on a perhaps otherwise dull afternoon) and someone came up with 'STOWLN'. When the young lad got his first car, a Subaru Impreza WRX, he decided to buy the number plate to get some laughs from his mates. Well, I'm sure they're laughing now!

I hope this unfortunate little incident doesn't put him off personalised number plates though. I'm sure he could find another great plate. Buying 'STOWLN' was just asking for it really!

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Monday, 6 October 2008

Private Number Plates Return to Beijing

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I'm thrilled to hear that the city of Beijing has just begun to issue vanity licence plates after a six year ban. In 2002, the issue of private number plates was put on hold due to politically incorrect messages being displayed. Plates such as 'SEX 001' and 'USA 911' sparked negative media reports. As a result, the motorists of Beijing had to wave goodbye to private plates.

But now, they have finally returned - and so they should! I don't see why personalised number plates had to be banned for six whole years! We've often given reports of rude number plates being banned in the UK and many other countries. (Some of the plates banned in America have often been of particular interest to us, mainly due to the fact that there's no conceivable reason as to why certain plates should have been removed anyway!) I don't see why the city of Beijing had to endure a ban that long.

It's been reported that top picks for private number plates are now ones that look like certain auspicious Chinese words. One man apparently waited three days to snap up 'NV8888'. The number 8 refers to prosperity, so will always be a popular pick in China.

Well, with the long-awaited return of personal number plates, I expect an incredible mass frenzy towards the purchase of number plates in Beijing. What must all the number plates enthusiasts have done to occupy themselves in those six loooong years?

I'm relieved to hear that they're back. Let's hope there are still some fun plates available though and they haven't all been banned!

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Friday, 3 October 2008

Elderly Drivers At Risk Of Being Reported To DVLA

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It's just come to my attention that doctors are now required to report any motorist they fear could cause danger on the roads to the DVLA. This has come about due to a growing concern about the number of elderly drivers in Britain.

Hmm, this is a tricky one. On the one hand, there are so many accidents on the roads these days that I think it's important to try to avoid these increasing any further. When you consider that statistics show that elderly drivers cause as many accidents as teenagers who have just passed their tests due to slower reaction times, and failing eyesight (I am, of course, referring to the elderly drivers here, not the teenagers. Though, with the amount of time teens spend on the Internet and the XBox 360 these days, it wouldn't surprise me if they couldn't see past the car in front!), the new requirement seems very sensible indeed.

On the other hand, there is the issue of doctor-patient confidentiality. Is it right to report a driver to the DVLA? Those over 70 already have to renew their licences every 3 years and are required to inform the DVLA if there is any concern from the doctor over driving. But then, there are bound to be a few who won't inform the DVLA out of fear of being taken off the road. Hmm, it's a tough one.

I have to say though, by the time I reach 70 (a very long way off, I'll have you know!), I'd like to think that I'll have someone else to chauffeur me around in my retirement. After all my years of hard work, it'll be my chance to sit back and relax. Right, I've decided. When I hit 65, that's it. Time to chill out and scoff biscuits...

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Thursday, 2 October 2008

Rosslare Europort To Snap All Number Plates

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Last month I provided you with my thoughts about new Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras being introduced at Manchester Airport. Well, I've just read that Rosslare Europort, based at Rosslare Harbour, Ireland will soon be adopting the same type of cameras in an effort to track and identify vehicles far more quickly.

Currently, officers have to scroll through hours of CCTV footage if they want to track a number plate. If you consider how many vehicles must enter the popular modern seaport, or Manchester Airport, it seems the cameras are the only answer to tracking car registrations.
Every single vehicle that enters and leaves Rosslare Europort will be snapped by the ANPR cameras, and Revenue officers will then be able to track anyone they suspect of carrying illegal items, such as drugs, far more quickly.

But, as I mentioned last month, there are many number plates that are currently untraceable due to the current law regarding foreign plates. In the UK, foreign visitors only have to register number plates if they are staying for more than six months. Now, why would anyone visit for that long, I can't help but wonder? Apparently, a bill is going through Parliament at the moment which should mean that ALL plates are traceable.

Overall, even though officers may come across a plate that's unregistered now and again, I do think that these cameras are a good idea. But perhaps just in particularly busy places...

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Wednesday, 1 October 2008

Number Plates For October

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Good morning! I sat down at my computer this morning and was amazed to find that we are already into October. Those warm, summer days are now just a distant memory. (I am, of course, referring to the sun I was blessed with while abroad on holiday this year, not the pathetic excuse for sunshine we receive here in dull old England!)

Well, with October in mind, I thought I might take this opportunity to remind you about the release of the remaining F registrations. They will be available from next Tuesday, 7th October and I'm sure this will result in more great sales of number plates to continue the recent run of impressive buys.

Right, I'm off - I've just seen a glint of sun and I must run to the window to discover if it's real or if my wishful thinking has finally got the better of me!

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