French motorists are using Corsican plates to fend-off road rage

Are you a French motorist in need of a new way to avoid trouble on the roads? Well, a set of Corsican plates could be your answer.

Thousands of drivers in France have reportedly fitted plates with the moor's head insignia and the numbers 2A and 2B — representing north and south Corsica — rather than using the designations for their locale.

The theory amongst users of these plates is that Corsican men have a reputation for being violent — meaning other road users are likely to kick up a fuss should things get heated behind the wheel.

Since 2009, French motorists have been able to select the region displayed on their number plates. Most still choose their local area, but three per cent of all new vehicles carry Corsican plates — despite just 0.6 per cent of the French population living on the island.

Speaking to The Times, Manuel Oneta, a garage owner in Vitry, a southern Paris suburb, said: "There are probably more Corsican plates than there are Corsicans,"

"With a 2A or a 2B, drivers are convinced that no one will damage their vehicle. They say you don't mess with Corsicans."