Personalised number plates invoke strong comments

Oops.

Apologies….it seems to have been quite some time since I last blogged.

I’ve been busy. Yes, very busy. Involved in something new and exciting. But that can wait for another time.

But for now, I want to talk about the strength of reaction personalised number plates seem to invoke. Words like ‘tosser’ and ‘wazzer’ are commonplace amongst those who see fit to comment on the topic – and probably among the more polite terms used. It never ceases to amaze me why they seem to invoke such strong feelings. Here’s a case in point. Even this number plate video expresses some attitudes outside the UK.

And yet, wherever I go, most people I speak to seem to aspire to having personalised number plate. That’s men and women. Young and old. And everything in between.  I’m not saying everyone I meet wants one. But a very high proportion either want a personalised number plate, or already have one.

I get very frustrated when I see comments like this, especially as personalised registration numbers are so popular.

So why do personal registration numbers seem to attract such a strength of (negative!) feeling? The problem is, those personalised number plates that really look like the name or word that they’re supposed to represent are few and far between. They’re very sought after, so only those with pots of money can afford to buy them. The rest of us have to compromise…either by going for something that’s more easily available (like initials), or thinking more laterally and going for something less popular.

Unfortunately, though, some of us push that ‘lateral thinking’ a little too far….we’re swapping letters around, adding strategically placed screws and some black tape, moving the spacing around, and squishing or distorting letters to get what we want. And the final result (as well as being illegal) ends up looking like a dog’s dinner. And that’s where the problem lies. Some of the so-called personalised number plates need lot of imagination and squinting to work out. Not good.

I’ve seen the name Josh constructed using J50 HRP, displayed as J50H RP (took me a while to work it out, and I ended up asking the owner). Oh and L16 AWR, displayed as L16A WR. I can only assume it’s intended to represent the name LISA. I’m sure most of us agree, that really isn’t cool. And it doesn’t do the rest of us any favours.

So, guys & gals, if you can’t afford a reasonable personalised registration number….either buy yourself a cheap Irish number plate, or start putting those pennies away – till you can afford one that doesn’t make everyone cringe.

And if you object to personalised number plates just because you don’t “get it”…find something else to get vocal about! I’m sure there’s stuff you spend your dosh on that the rest of us could be equally scathing about. Each to their own….

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Welsh Flag on number plate not legal

Plaid Cymru AM Janet Ryder is petitioning the government for breaking a promise to make the Welsh Flag on number plates legal.

“Labour’s transport minister promised back in 2001 to make flying the flag for Wales on your number plate legal. That promise has never been honoured….” says Ms Ryder.

This is clearly an emotive issue. Janet Ryder has launched a petition, to encourage the UK government to deliver on their promise.

www.numberplates.plaidcymru.org

I was of the understanding that this was legal. And if you buy number plates online, this option is offered as a legal option. So I’m a bit bemused that this is an issue. The DVLA’s guidance on this (V796 Display of Registration Marks for Motor Vehicles) only mentions the Euro symbol. There’s no mention of any other flags on numberplates. It’s no wonder there’s so much confusion.

Many people use this tiny space on their number plate to advertise their allegiances to the world. I’ve seen businesses, football teams, rugby teams, and even Betty Boop in that small space. All of which are, of course, illegal. Though many people do not realise it. I’ve blogged about a rugby fan whose illegal number plate has landed her in court.

It’s all very well issuing penalties for illegal number plates. But come on… at least tell people what the rules are!!

[Source: plaidcymru.org]



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Number plate lands rugby fan in hot water

Being an avid sports fan could land you in trouble with the police. That’s what happened to one Hull Kingston Rovers fan, Suzanne Murray, in January this year. To her surprise, Suzanne was pulled over and issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice (£30) for an illegal number plate. Why? Not because she had misrepresented the letters or numbers on her car registration number. Nor was it because she had moved the spaces around. In fact, Suzanne’s car number plate is pretty standard. With the exception of thing: Suzanne has added a little flourish to express her love of rugby. She has personalised her number plate with the crest of her rugby team Hull Kingston Rovers. And that’s what makes her number plate illegal.

The DVLA rules on number plates say that, in addition to the registration number itself, you can choose to display one of the following:

• Union flag
• Cross of St George
• Scottish Saltire
• Red Dragon of Wales or
• GB / Euro symbol

No other flag or symbol is allowed. That means no sports logos, football emblems, cartoon characters, etc…. all are illegal.

Many 100’s people have been issued with fines of £30 in the past couple of weeks as police all around the country have been focusing on illegal number plates.

Like it or not, the view of the police is a little more black and white.

“Driving with illegal number plates is not something that should be taken lightly. ” says PS Neil Fillingham of Humberside Police Traffic Management Section. “The purpose of a registration plate is to identify a vehicle; it is not a fashion accessory.”

A word of warning: owners of private number plates risk losing their registration if they repeatedly flout the rules.






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