The Path of Least Resistance

Police in Telford report issuing more than 40 fixed penalty notices in six months in respect of number plates failing to strictly observe the regulations governing their display.

The offences are largely down to mis-spacing of the characters and a few instances of screws strategically placed to modify the actual letters or numbers.

The latter misdemeanour is, of course, unforgiveable and goes completely against the spirit of the real cherished plate enthusiasts. But, until someone comes up with a convincing argument as to exactly why there has to be a gap in the groups of characters, the practice is unlikely to be widely accepted as antisocial.

It is bad enough that the reportedly overstretched law enforcement agencies should see fit to expend so much time and effort on such trivial matters - although the performance and target-related culture is largely to blame for them seeking the path of least resistance. What we don't need, however is self-appointed guardians like the custodians of the website called Stop Illegal Number Plates.

In its opening diatribe, the author is almost foaming at the mouth in an expression of hatred for the offenders. One gets the distinct impression that the over-the-top rhetoric could easily extend to the owners of perfectly legal personalised plates.

The people with clearly too much time on their hands who run this publication are incensed enough to offer a downloadable faux 'parking ticket' which they encourage people to apply to any vehicle they see which sports a dubious plate.

Sensibly, the instigators of this pathetic scheme do see fit to distance themselves from any recourse that may ensue.

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