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National Numbers Articles

Woman’s Victory in Winning Back Car Discovers it’s Been Destroyed

January 21, 2012
Posted in DVLA News — Written by matthew.smith

A Tamworth woman has won her long-fought battle with the DVLA after her car was “unlawfully” towed away, has been left devastated to find it’s been crushed.

After two-and-a-half years of battling with authorities, Anita Underhill-Smith of Grassholme, Stonydelph, is relieved that this nightmare is over.

“The last two-and-a-half years of my life has been terrible,” revealed Anita.

“No-one should have to go through it.

“There are times when I have not slept. I suffer from anxiety and panic attacks.”

After the vehicle was damaged by car thieves in 2009, Anita declared the car as off the road as she couldn’t afford to have it repaired.

“I asked the police if it could be parked at the back of my home and they said it would be OK,” Anita revealed.

“Because it was broken into I could not afford to get it repaired, but I kept it insured.

“In the November one of the neighbours knocked on the door saying there was a warning sticker on the car. I tried to telephone the number but there was no answer.”

However, the next day she watched from the window to see her car “going down the road on the back of a truck.”

“I phoned the DVLA and the council but no-one could tell me where my car had gone.

“I was just banging my head against a brick wall. It was phone number after phone number after phone number.

“The DVLA did not know where it was. Nobody knew.”

She moved house in January 2010, but in September there were “two men banging at the door”.

“They said ‘we are here to arrest you for non-payment of a fine’,” Anita added.

“I told them I had not had a fine, but I was taken to Cannock and into court, but no-one had any paperwork.”

Magistrates told her that the situation would be resolved, but after eight months, Anita’s name appeared in the Herald’s weekly court lists.

It stated that she had been convicted of keeping an unlicensed motor on the road, and fined £235, plus costs.

“I went to work and everyone said ‘you’re a dark horse’,” Anita said.

“Then I read in the Herald I had been fined.

“I sent a letter to the court, saying I refused to pay and would appeal.”

Earlier this month Stafford Crown Court threw the case out.

“A judge ruled that my car had been taken unlawfully,” she said. “I represented myself against a barrister from the DVLA.

“The judge asked if I had any questions and I said ‘where’s my car?’”

An investigation showed that the car had been scrapped, leaving Anita devastated.

“It’s wrong. It’s awful to see your name in the paper guilty of an offence and you know nothing about it.”

Anita will pursue compensation from the DVLA this week after visiting her solicitor.

For a great price for a wonderful number plate, just call the experts at National Numbers, on 01642 363738.

Customer Service Reforms at DVLA

December 18, 2011
Posted in DVLA News — Written by matthew.smith

Proposals have been unveiled by Roads Minister, Mike Penning, outlining how millions of motorists could receive enhanced choice and flexibility when they deal with the DVLA.

Under the changes, motorists will find communications with the DVLA greatly enhanced.

People can also expect the DVLA’s online services to be greatly enhanced.

The new developments are expected to save the DVLA approximately £28 million per year.

“This is a major step change which will make dealing with the DVLA easier and quicker for motorists and businesses up and down the country,” explained Road’s minister, Mike Penning.

“Centralising the DVLA’s services is the first crucial step towards making more of its transactions available online, allowing people to deal with the DVLA at their chosen time and place.

“This will mean quicker turnarounds and meet our customers’ growing needs.”

The new centralised service will give customers many more ways to receive the DVLA’s services than are currently available from the 39 regional DVLA offices.

DVLA boss, Simon Tse, believes the changes are needed.

“The DVLA has been serving motorists for over 40 years in one form or another,” explained Mr Tse.

“But times change and customers’ needs change.”

“That is why it’s essential that we move with the times and make the best use of our services and experience to make sure we give the motor industry and the general public a service that is fit for the 21st century, allows them to carry out their business in a way that suits them and offers the best value for money for the taxpayer.”

For an easy way to get a personalised registration, at a price you will be delighted with, just contact the number plate experts at National Numbers, on 01642 363738.

DVLA Threat of ALL Local Offices Closure

December 14, 2011
Posted in DVLA, DVLA News, National Numbers News, Number Plate News, Number Plates — Written by Helen

A new proposal was published today that recommends closure of all of the 39 local DVLA offices in the UK, in a bid to save government money.

The proposals will be subject to consultation today, with closures possibly starting by the end of 2013. Savings are estimated at £28m per year - however more than 1,200 DVLA staff jobs could be lost.

Customers will be directed towards using centralised online services, which Roads Minister Mike Penning believes would “make dealing with the DVLA easier”.

The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) commented that the plans “make no economic sense”.

A move to a completely online system seems to have been happening for some time, as DVLA have created online ways to access their services, such as vehicle excise (tax) renewal.

However the offices are important to number plate customers. DVLA local offices perform important administrative duties and deal with necessary paperwork in private registration transfers.

The human approach ensures that paperwork is properly checked, and that no errors creep in to paperwork applications. Presumably, this responsibility will now fall to the individual when they complete online applications within the proposed new system.

It remains to be seen how an online service will fulfil he role of DVLA local office staff. As a number plate dealer with 30 years in the business, it does feel like a big change to operations at DVLA, and we hope that things run smoothly in introducing the new system.

National Numbers continue to offer attentive and helpful administrative support concerning number plate transfers in the same way we always have.

AL11 SON and 14 O to Star at DVLA’s Next Personalised Registration Auction!

November 28, 2011
Posted in DVLA News — Written by matthew.smith

For those looking for an extra special gift this Christmas, look no further than the upcoming DVLA Personalised Registrations Auction!

With 1,500 number plates set to go under the hammer, you can be sure of finding the perfect personalised registration for you.

The next DVLA personalised registration auction is the last of six held during 2011.

Those named Alison will be in for a treat if they can place a winning bid when ‘AL11 SON’ goes up for bidding.

The three-day event will commence on Wednesday 30th November and end on Friday 2nd December.

The DVLA’s Personalised Registrations Events Manager, Jody Davies, believes the event will be a great success: “Our final auction of the year has again been timed to ensure our successful bidders will be able to turn around the relevant paperwork in time to place their registration on their chosen vehicle.

“The perfect Christmas surprise.

“As our figures show, a huge number of personalised registrations are bought as gifts, and what better personal gift for someone than their own private registration, one they’re able to keep for life!”

With over a third of the personalised registrations bought from the DVLA passed on as gifts, there’s no better time to find a fantastic number plate at a low price.

AL11 SON will be highly anticipated with a reserve price of just £3,000, while 14 O looks set to go way above its reserve price of £10,000.

There are many others to choose from, including: ALF 4X (£450), ASW 41N (£450),  BAG 80Y (£400), 1970 DB (£2,500), ELL 51E (£400), FER 458X (£400), FSM 117H (£400), GYM 805S (£400), HES 600D (£400), HU57 LER (£1,000), JLS 13 (£1,800), KRY 848Y (£400), MR51 GNS (£500), NE11 LLS (£2,000), 36 OO (£3,000), 11 OOO (£4,000), RO11 AND (£4,000), UTD 574R (£400), VD51 NGH (£1,000).

National Numbers will even provide you with a bidding service if you are unable to attend, and their friendly staff can assist you every step of the way.

So don’t miss out; just call 01642 363738 today to find out more.

12 Series Number Plates Offer Great Combinations

November 10, 2011
Posted in DVLA News, Number Plate News — Written by Helen

At National Numbers, we always get excited about new number plate releases. Especially when they offer our customers many extra choices for private number plates.

And the next release of 12 series number plates promises to do just that.

So if you’re looking for a number plate for your name, initials, car, sport, or anything else, why not try our fantastic 12 series number plate search, and see what the new 12 series registrations have to offer?

The number 12 in the number plate can look a lot like the letters R, I, and Z, which makes the 12 series a great choice for spelling longer names and surnames containing these letters.

Take a look at some of these great combinations:

BA12 BER
Barber		 XB12 OWNR
Brown		 CA12 OLE
Carole
DE12 EKX
Derek		 FE12 GUS
Fergus		 HO12 NER
Horner
KA12 REN
Karen		 MA12 THA
Martha		 PA12 KER
Parker
XR12 WAN
Rizwan		 TU12 NER
Turner		 WA12 NER
Warner

About 7.5 million 12 series number plates will be released by DVLA on 5th December 2011. Prices have not yet been confirmed by DVLA but we will publish them on our site as soon as they become available.

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, then why not call our office to talk to a salesperson about securing your 12 series number plate?

Be sure to register your interest in any 12 series number plate as soon as possible, as many different parties are likely to be looking to buy good combinations. To do so, just enquire about your chosen registration on our site, or call us on 01642 36 37 38.

About the 12 Series of Number Plates
Any new vehicles registered on or after March 1st, 2012 will feature a 12 series number plate.

The great thing is, you don’t need a new car to take advantage. If you don’t intend to buy a new vehicle next year, you can buy a 12 number on a certificate which allows you to “store” it, and makes it convenient to give the registration as a gift. This is a fantastic way to secure your ideal plate to ensure nobody else buys it first!

As with most new number plate series, interest in this series is high, so don’t miss out and search for 12 series number plates now.

Forgetful Driver Facing Prison

November 6, 2011
Posted in DVLA News — Written by matthew.smith

A court heard how a man drove whilst disqualified because he merely “forgot” about his ban.

Simon Wheeler, 39, of Worcester found himself convicted of dangerous driving in 1999 and ordered to take an extended re-test if he wanted to lift his disqualification.

The court heard how Mr Wheeler had yet to take the extended re-test and as such, remains disqualified from driving.

On October 18, police caught Mr Wheeler driving a Vauxhall Corsa and pleaded guilty to driving without insurance.

Further to this, in 1992 and 1993, he was banned for driving whilst disqualified and without insurance.

Prosecuting on the case, Mr Liam Finch criticised: “You can see the extent of this man’s refusal to accept rulings of the court about driving whilst disqualified and without insurance.”

Defending, Mark Sheward revealed to the court that Mr Wheeler had suffered a brain injury in 2010 following a car accident.

“His memory is so bad that he doesn’t remember things. He keeps driving because he forgets he is banned.”

The DVLA had accidentally sent Mr Wheeler a licence in 2010 following an application from Mr Wheeler.

“If you get a licence from the DVLA, you think to yourself, ‘they know what they are doing and I can drive’,” Mr Sheward added.

Derek Styles, Chairman of the bench, concluded with comments: “Remember, you are disqualified from driving.

“The more you do this, the less likely you will retain your freedom.

“This court was considering custody but we won’t tie the hands of the next bench. They will make their own decision.”

For a fantastic personalised registration at a price you will be amazed at, just contact the UK’s number plate experts at National Numbers, on 01642 363738.

DE11 BOY Number Plate Set For DVLA Auction

September 25, 2011
Posted in DVLA News — Written by matthew.smith

The latest of the DVLA’s hugely popular number plate auctions is almost upon us and some eagerly anticipated registration numbers are due to go under the hammer.

With 1,500 number plates going into the auction room over the three day event, there are some registrations that really stand out from the crowd.

Only Fools and Horses enthusiasts will almost certainly be locked in a bidding battle when DE11 BOY goes up for auction.

The £3,000 reserve price placed on the highly sought after DE11 BOY registration is expected to be far exceed when the number plate enters the auction on day one.

But the London theme doesn’t stop there! EA57 END will be extremely popular amongst those who wish to show their pride for their east end heritage.

Also entering the auction on day one, the EA57 END plate has been given a very low reserve price of just £1,000.

The next DVLA auction is set to place on 28th, 29th and 30th of September at Down Hall, Bishop Stortford, Herts.

Despite attracting a lot of interest, DE11 BOY and EA57 END are due to be outshone by the star of the show; 36 O.

Despite the relatively high reserve price of £10,000, 36 O is widely expected to far exceed that.

Speaking about the event, the DVLA’s Personalised Registrations’ Marketing Manager, Damian Lawson, said: “These two plates are proving hugely popular with immense interest from potential buyers already surrounding them.

“DE11 BOY stems from our hugely successful 11-series of registrations released for sale last year and while it is unsuitable to sit on a Reliant three-wheeler, it would look terrific on any car registered on our roads from March 1st this year.”

Those interested in, or employed in Law may be interested in LAW 80Y with a reserve of £500, or LAW 805s with a reserve of £400.

Contact the number plate experts at National Numbers on 01642 363738 and let them assist you every step of the way in getting your dream number plate.

Widower ‘Furious’ To Receive Motoring Fine for Deceased Wife

September 15, 2011
Posted in DVLA News — Written by matthew.smith

A widower has revealed his fury at receiving a letter stating that his wife, who died four years ago, had been summoned to court and fined by the DVLA.

Barry Bartin, of Tamworth, Staffordshire, received a £175 fine from the magistrates court addressed to his late wife Evelyn for failing to notify the DVLA of her car’s new owner.

Mr Bartin believed that the car was scrapped in 2009 after his wife lost her battle with breast cancer.

“Initially, when I saw the fine I was in shock. I thought, I cannot believe this, for this to happen four years down the line after her death.

“I have got wonderful memories of her and she never did anything wrong in her life.

“I don’t understand how this could have happened. I’ve informed all the relevant people of her death, but somehow this terrible mistake still happened.

“They said she hadn’t notified the DVLA of the car’s new owner in February - but as far as I’m aware I sent the car to be crushed two years ago. I just want to clear Evelyn’s name.”

This is not the first time Mr Bartin received a fine directed at his late wife after receiving a parking fine last year.

“I contacted the DVLA and explained the car had been crushed.

Then a few weeks ago she received another letter - saying she was being fined for failing to tell the DVLA that there had been a change in vehicle owner.

“I rang the court and they said it was the fault of the DVLA, so I contacted the DVLA and sent them a copy of my wife’s death certificate.”

Mr Bartin was irate after reading in his local newspaper that Evelyn had been fined by magistrates with £60 charged in court costs.

“The authorities are relying on incorrect computer records. This should be brought to light and the DVLA should get its act together,” explained Mr Bartin.

“I was told by the authorities that my car had been crushed but now it seems someone is driving around in it.

“What if this person kills someone on the road, or goes through a speed camera?

“There’s a very good chance the police will come around and try to arrest my wife, or arrest me, just because their computer tells them to.

“This has caused a lot of distress and it’s all over a car I did not think existed.”

Get a great personalised registration from the number plate experts at National Numbers by calling 01642 363738.

Dangerous Drivers Still on the Road

September 3, 2011
Posted in DVLA News — Written by matthew.smith

Official statistics show that over 130 Suffolk drivers remain on the road with 12 points or more on their licence.

One driver in the Ipswich area had even totalled over 21 points on his licence.

Drivers are liable to be banned from driving for amounting 12 penalty points on their licence within a three-year period.

However, the driver may be let off if they can prove that the ban would cause “exceptional hardship” to them, their family or their employees.

Official statistics have shown that a large number of drivers in the Ipswich area are allowed to continue to drive with 12 points or more.

The miscommunication between the DVLA and the courts may be a cause for the high number, according to Graham Higgins, chairman of Suffolk Magistrates’ Association.

“Drivers cannot use the exceptional hardship argument more than once in three years,” explained Mr Higgins.

“Most will put forward all the arguments they can muster when they first appear.

“It seems likely that most, if not all of those recorded with a very high number of points, have failed to be disqualified as a consequence of some breakdown in communication in the system.

“Investigation nationally showed that for at least some of the drivers, failures to properly record points on their driver record led to an inaccurate record being available online to the court from DVLA, as many drivers mislay, fail or are unable to produce the paper part of their driving licence in court and the court relies on that DVLA record.

“If the DVLA information is inaccurate it may be that the driver escapes being dealt with as a ‘totter’.

“The Magistrates’ Association was naturally concerned about the situation and wrote to the responsible minister, who asked the various bodies to work to improve their communications.

For a fantastic personalised registration that makes your car stand out from the crowd, just contact the number plate specialists at National Numbers, on 01642 363738.

People Support DVLA’s Organ Donation Plan

August 8, 2011
Posted in DVLA News — Written by matthew.smith

People who have had their lives saved thanks to organ donation have come out in support of the DVLA’s new method for increasing donor numbers.

Those who are applying for a driving licence through the DVLA’s online procedure will encounter a section which questions whether they want to become an organ donor or defer the decision until a later date.

There are hopes that the new DVLA scheme will greatly increase the number of donors of vital body parts.

One person who will benefit from organ donation is Elizabeth Clissold, aged 24, from Hebburn.

Having waited for three years for her life-saving kidney transplant, she will undergo the operation next month thanks to her partner Terry Clark’s donation.

Ms Clissold explained: “At the moment I don’t actually hold a driving licence, but as soon as I apply for one I will be signing up, no problem.

“Some people are oblivious to organ donation.

“At the end of the day, you don’t know about it until it has happened to you.

“It is a good idea, with regards to making people more aware.”

The news extremely encouraging to public health minister Anne Milton.

“Being an organ donor is a truly selfless act and a lifesaving gift to someone in need,” she said.

“Only 29 per cent of people in the UK have registered to donate organs, when we know 90 per cent of people in the UK have expressed interest in donating.

“We want to make it easier for people to sign up to the Organ Donor Register when they apply for their driving licence and encourage everyone to discuss their organ donation wishes with their loved ones.”

There are thousands of personalised registrations to choose from and it couldn’t be easier to find the perfect plate for your car.

So don’t delay, find your perfect number plate today by calling the experts at National Numbers, on 01642 363738.