Since 2001 the supply and specification of vehicle number plates has been regulated by law. The exact character font, colour,spacing and even materials used in the production of a number plate is controlled by legisltaion . Suppliers must also collect proof of I.D. and entitlement to the registration number concerned and every supplier must be registered with DVLA. However there were two big loopholes in the legislation in that it did not apply to N.Ireland or Scotland and also it was possible to supply non-conforming number plates by calling them show plates ( not for use on the public highway ).

It seems that these loopholes are about to be closed by extending the legislation to N.Ireland and Scotland ( at present it is possible to order just about anything from N.Ireland suppliers via the internet) and also by marking so called show plates conspicuously so that anyone using a show plate on the highway will be highly visible.The DVLA have published a consultation paper which is downloadable from their website and interested parties can make a response to the proposals contained in the paper.

It seems highly likely that these new measures will be introduced as the recent success tracking suspected terrorists has demonstrated how powerful the ANPRS ( Automatic Number Plate Recognition System ) can be in the fight against terrorism. It also will of course help with the detection of vehicles which are not taxed or insured, both reasons are of course worthy incentives to push forward this change in legislation.

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