DVLA number plate change sees drivers 'pulled off road' by police

A major number plate change could see more drivers with a defective licence which forces motorists off the road. A number plate update is set to come in September when the “74” will be rolled out amid a growing number of licence plates flouting DVLA rules.

Paul Hollick, chair at the Association of Fleet Professionals, said: “We’re hearing from our members of an increasing incidence of this problem. It’s quite an easy thing for fleets to miss on delivery and there are reports of cars and vans driving around on the wrong plates for months or even years.

“In some cases, the error only comes to light when fleets find that the vehicle has been stopped by the police. Operators need to start identifying the problem earlier on by making their own checks on delivery.” He added: “Really, this is something that should be picked up during the pre-delivery inspection but, from what we are hearing, this is happening less and less often.

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“If a problem subsequently arises and there is a financial implication, there is then the question of who is to blame? Certainly, in those circumstances, dealers don’t seem too keen to take responsibility.” Vehicles must be correctly fitted with licence plates or drivers could be fined up to £1,000 and fail their MOT test.

But police found evidence of wrong registration or mismatched plates on the front and rear of vehicle, with drivers being pulled off UK roads. It comes in the week drivers have been warned of hidden taxes and costs which "sneak" up on motorists making travel unaffordable.

Andy Wood, finance expert from Tax Natives, said: “Everything from buying the car to maintaining it is more expensive. Depreciation continues to be the largest hidden cost of car ownership, with an average yearly expense of £1,391.

“Combined with the necessary costs of repairs and servicing, this highlights the need for car buyers to consider the total costs beyond just the original price." He went on: “Fuel remains a major cost, with petrol and diesel drivers spending upwards of £1,000 yearly.”

Wood added: “Driving lessons, which some may get to refresh their skills and other miscellaneous car products such as anti-freeze, battery water, and cleaning materials, collectively add £20 to the total costs. It's the smaller, sometimes unexpected expenses that can sneak up on car owners."

Jonathan Fong, manager of general insurance policy at the ABI, said: “Insurers are aware of the financial challenges customers are facing and are determined to keep motor insurance as competitively priced as possible.”