National Numbers: A car number plate dealer, recognised reseller by the DVLA
Office Hours : 9am - 7pm Mon to Fri. 9.30am - 7pm Sat. 10am - 7pm Sun
Call us on 01642 36 37 38 National Numbers   affiliate scheme   National Numbers   faq's   National Numbers   contact us   National Numbers   site map   National Numbers   number plates   National Numbers   private plates   National Numbers   registration numbers  

National Numbers Articles

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.

Man Wins Battle to Keep Risqué Number Plate

August 8, 2011
Posted in Number Plates — Written by matthew.smith

A man’s ongoing battle with the DVLA over his risqué number plate has ended in success.

The company director from Chesterfield was left bewildered after he received a letter from the DVLA demanding that he removed the registration plate or face further action.

Alan Clarke, 49, was left stunned after reading the DVLA’s letter, as he had purchased his ‘BO11 LUX’ personalised registration from them in the first place.

Only a week after proudly attaching his £399 number plate to his black, Range Rover Overfinch, the letter dropped through his door’s letterbox.

Locked in battle with the DVLA, Mr Clarke urged them to see the funny side of it rather than the offensive side, insisting that all his friends and family found it amusing.

Mr Clarke has even done some legal research in aid of his argument which he included in correspondence with Transport Secretary, Philip Hammond.

According to Mr Clarke, a 1977 court case successfully found that the Sex Pistols album “Never Mind the B*****ks” wasn’t obscene.

Mr Clarke realised his battle had been won when he received a letter from the DVLA, stating: “Upon further instruction from a higher authority you are permitted to keep the number plate.”

Speaking about his success, Mr Clarke declared: “I’ve no idea who this higher authority is, maybe it was Phil Hammond himself, but clearly someone with a brain has finally looked at this and decided there was nothing wrong with it after all.

“I’m relieved I will no longer have to look over my shoulder for police officers.

“My big worry was being pulled over and maybe thrown in the cells overnight before I could explain what was going on.

“I knew I was right all along. If it’s offensive, why did they offer it for sale on their own website?”

Get in contact with National Numbers by calling 01642 363738 and let the friendly advisers guide you to the perfect personalised registration.

DVLA Number Plate Auction a Great Success

August 5, 2011
Posted in Number Plates — Written by matthew.smith

Number plate enthusiasts and people looking for a personalised registration bargain were provided with a fantastic experience during the DVLA’s latest national number plate auction.

Oxfordshire’s Williams F1 Conference Centre in Grove, Wantage, was the latest venue for the DVLA’s hugely popular, three-day number plate auction events.

Last week’s auction hosted some highly sought-after personalised registrations, including ‘555 A’, ‘WE11 HOT’, ‘8 000′ and ‘XXX BOX’.

The most expensive number plate to go under the hammer was ‘43 O’.

Entering the auction with a reserve price of £10,000, onlookers were silenced as the bidding took the final price to £17,300.

In total, the auction raised a staggering £3.2m - all of which will go to the treasury.

DVLA auction event manager, Jody Davies, said: “The atmosphere is always good at the auction.

“On the first day we managed to sell more than 350 and make more than £700,000.”

One number plate took everybody by surprise however.

‘MA10 NEY’ went into the auction with a reserve price of just £1,000, but sold for a final price of £16,400.

The DVLA’s personalised registrations marketing manager, Damien Lawson, believes the events are fantastic as there’s something for every budget.

“While bidding has been frenetic as always, with high prices fetched for popular combinations, there were also bargains to be had at relatively low prices,” he explained.

The three-day event saw 150 bidders present at the auction, with others taking part by telephone, internet and text.

In addition, registered bidders at the auction were offered free access to the Williams museum, complete with one of the largest collections of F1 cars.

Visitors could see the Williams FW14, driven by Nigel Mansell to nine Grand Prix wins in one season and a championship title.

To make sure you don’t miss out on the next number plate auction, just contact the experts at National Numbers, on 01642 363738.

National Numbers can even provide a bidding service on your behalf, meaning you’ll get the number plate you want at the lowest possible price!

Just Wed Number Plate for William and Catherine

April 30, 2011
Posted in Number Plate News, Number Plates — Written by Helen

William and Catherine put the finishing touch on a perfect wedding ceremony yesterday with their fabulous “Just Wed” number plate.

Just Wed Number Plate

The number plate was seen on the rear of the blue Aston Martin - driven by Prince William - as he and Catherine left Buckingham Palace to a backdrop of cheers from supporters.

The number plate read JU5T WED, and the usual blue EU badge on the plate was replaced with ♥U. The actual registration of the vehicle, EBY 776J, was on the front of the car - a soft-top Aston Martin DB6 MKII Volante. The vehicle is 41 years old, and was a gift from the Queen to Prince Charles for his 21st birthday party.

For those who wonder, JU5T WED isn’t a valid format for number plates in the UK. The best example of a real Just Wed plate would be JU57 WED or JU52 WED.

These kinds of personalised registrations make elegant and legal marques for wedding vehicles.

Search for your own perfect private registration with National Numbers - with over 34 million to choose from, we have every name and every occasion covered.

Grab this Stunning Lamborghini Gallardo Number Plate

March 16, 2011
Posted in Number Plates, Personalised Registrations — Written by Helen

National Numbers are always pleased to hear from customers who are looking to sell their number plates. Our free instant valuation service is excellent at calculating meanings, estimating prices and is our customers’ first port of call when they look to sell their registration.

But some registrations are a little bit special - like this stunning Lamborghini Gallardo number plate.

GA11 RDO number plate on Lamborghini Gallardo 1

We were delighted to receive photos of this Lamborghini Gallardo from a National Numbers customer, complete with the ‘Gallardo’ private number plates.

The car demonstrates a perfect example of how a personalised registration can add to the appeal of a vehicle.

GA11 RDO is for sale exclusively through National Numbers - and is a particularly good example of one of the thousands of 11 series registrations we have listed on our website.

To purchase the registration, contact National Numbers on 01642 36 37 38.

Alternatively search for other 11 series personalised number plates, or try a number plate search on our site for more ideas.

More information:
View GA11 RDO on our website
National Numbers 11 series registrations

National Numbers Introduce the World’s First Android App

February 6, 2011
Posted in Number Plates — Written by matthew.smith
Finding the perfect personalised registration has never been easier, thanks to National Numbers’ brand new Number Plate Search App.

It’s ground-breaking as it’s the first number plate app to be released on the Android platform, giving millions of people the ability to find the ideal personalised registration.

Over 30 million number plates are now searchable through the app, offering enormous choice, as well as great functionality and accessibility.

Use the simple interface to enter your name, hobby, interest, date of birth, or any word you like, and let the app provide you with a selection of relevant results of U.K. number plates.

Download the National Numbers Number Plate Search App for Android here.

National Numbers also provide a bidding service for those looking to get a bargain personalised registration at one of the DVLA’s national number plate auctions.

The most recent number plate auction took place at the Imperial War Museum on 2nd, 3rd and 4th February 2011.

Some of the registrations to reach high prices include ‘81 M’ which sold for £13,000, and ‘1 HNC’ which was purchased for £12,200

The show stopper was undoubtedly the latest ‘O’ plate to be released, ‘12 O’.

Entering with a reserve price of £10,000, the highly sought-after ‘12 O’ plate went under the hammer at a staggering £49,000.

National Numbers provide a bidding service for those unable to attend one of the auctions.

‘1 LWT’ was bought for £12,100 by one of the specialist bidders from National Numbers on behalf of a very satisfied customer.

The next number plate auction will take place at Rudding Park, Harrogate on 22nd, 23rd and 24th March.

To find out more about some of the number plates set to go under the hammer and how the experts at National Numbers can help you to find and bid for your perfect plate, call now, on 01642 262829.

Manchester Police Condemned for Overuse of Spy Cameras

Posted in Number Plates — Written by matthew.smith

Police in Greater Manchester have employed spy cameras in almost 250 locations within just one week.

Greater Manchester Police Force have been found to use automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) more than any other UK police force.

The relatively new technology has been condemned by civil rights group Liberty, describing it as ‘mass surveillance’ on motorists.

Neil Wain, assistant chief constable at Greater Manchester Police, defended the cameras as ‘an invaluable tool’ in identifying law breakers.

“Many criminals rely on vehicles to commit crime,” chief constable Wain explained.

“There are very strong links between illegal use of motor vehicles on the road and other types of serious crime.

By denying criminals use of the roads the police will be better able to enforce the law and prevent and detect crime.

“Automatic Number Plate Recognition has been highly effective in securing very quick lines of enquiry that have led to early arrests and in securing the very best evidence to support criminal prosecutions.

“It’s an invaluable tool in the campaign to make our communities safer and to allow the majority of people who lawfully use our roads to continue to do so unhindered.

“The safer our communities and roads are, the better for everyone.”

The ANPR system is capable of scanning a registration number every second and provides and instant check against the national police database.

The the registration number is also checked against Motor Insurers Bureau and DVLA records, giving the officers on duty an instantaneous alert if the vehicle should be stopped.

Civil rights groups are greatly concerned, however, as data is stored on all vehicles that pass the cameras; even those of no interest to the police.

All data was originally kept for 5 years, but following the Information Commissioner’s office review, this was reduced to two years.

Those supporting the collection of such information will defend that only data linked with serious crime can be accessed after three months.

To find a great number plate for your car, just call the experts at National Numbers on 01642 363738.

Petrol Theives Use Stolen Number Plates

January 24, 2011
Posted in Number Plates — Written by matthew.smith

Motorists in the Peterborough area are being warned to keep a close eye on their vehicles following a spate of number plate thefts.

The number plates are being targeted to be attached to cars involved in petrol thefts from filling stations; an act commonly known as ‘bilking’.

In the past month, 10 number plates were stolen from vehicles in the Peterborough area.

In mid-December, number plates were taken from a Volkswagen van and transferred to a Ford Mondeo.

Within 24 hours, the Mondeo was seen stealing £63.07 worth of diesel from a filling station near Corby.

Speaking about the rise in number plate and petrol thefts, inspector Terri Griffin revealed: “We are still investigating CCTV footage but these kinds of crimes are difficult to trace and cost petrol stations millions of pounds every year.

“All of these enquiries have resulted in reviews of CCTV and forensic opportunities as well as neighbourhood visits, house-to-house enquiries, scrap metal enquiries and crime prevention advice.

“We would encourage anybody with information about these thefts to contact us.”

Police have revealed that a car park next to Orton Meadows Golf Course in Orton Waterville is an area regularly targeted by number plate theives.

A spokesman for the Granary Restaurant, adjacent to the car park, revealed: “I’m not aware of any ongoing thefts in the car park.”

Those who have any information about the thefts should contact police on 0345 456 4564.

The best way to get a personalised registration for great value is at one of the DVLA’s national number plate auctions.

The next auction takes place at the Imperial War Museum, Manchester on 2nd, 3rd and 4th February.

Contact the experts at National Numbers on 01642 363738 to find out how you can get a fantastic number plate for a low price.

Motorists Made to Consider Organ Donation

January 10, 2011
Posted in Number Plates — Written by matthew.smith

A new government scheme will force motorists to consider organ donation after death in a bid to dramatically increase transplant numbers.

When applying for driving licences, motorists will need to answer a question relating to organ donation in the new scheme set up by the DVLA.

The changes to the driving license application procedure follow measures which allow patients who die in A&E to donate their organs.

The DVLA’s driving license application form is one of the most common ways for people to register their organ donation desires.

However, the current system allows people to completely avoid the question regarding organ donation.

Things are set to change from July, and one of the following options must be chosen: yes I would like to register on the NHS Organ Donor Register; I do not want to answer this question now; I am already registered on the NHS Organ Donor Register.

The changes are expected to make people think more about their answer, resulting in a greater number of registrations.

Approximately 27% of UK citizens are registered as organ donors, but 90% are in favour of organ donation.

Organ transplants reached a record high in 2010, with over 6,900 made.

“Surveys show that a large number of people in the UK are happy to donate their organs for transplantation but haven’t got around to registering,” explained Anne Milton, Public Health Minister.

“We hope that by prompting people into making a decision we can encourage more people to register.

“We also need people to think and talk about organ donation with their families so people know what family members want.

“Being an organ donor is a truly selfless act and is the ultimate gift anyone can give. I would like to see all those people who are happy to donate their organs to sign up.”

There are thousands of personalised registrations to choose from.

Just contact the experts at National Numbers on 01642 363738 and let them guide you to the perfect number plate.

Foreign Cars Responsible for Millions Lost in Unpaid Tickets

Posted in Number Plates — Written by matthew.smith

It has been revealed that millions of pounds are being lost every year when foreign cars fail to pay their parking tickets.

Scottish councils are losing out due to thousands of parking tickets going unpaid by foreign registered vehicles that can’t be traced.

Local authorities are finding it impossible to recoup the owed money, with the foreign law breakers ignoring the tickets.

Some councils attempt to reclaim the money, but many choose not to waste any time on it.

Strathclyde Police have revealed that tickets issued to foreign vehicles are written off automatically, as number plates that haven’t been registered with the DVLA can’t be processed.

A staggering £233,993.70 was written off by Edinburgh City Council for the 2008/09 financial year because of unpaid parking fines on foreign-registered vehicles.

“There are a number of reasons why a parking ticket could be written off. It could be because the driver cannot be traced or it could also be because signs or road markings were missing,” a spokeswoman revealed.

A further 89 parking fines totalling £2670 went unpaid by foreign-registered vehicles since April 2008 in the Fife Council region.

A representative for Fife Council explained: “St Andrews, in Fife, has a higher rate of offences, and foreign drivers, due to the world-famous Old Links Golf Course.”

According to Strathclyde Police, 254 parking tickets went unpaid by foreign-registered vehicles, totalling £7560.

“When notification that a foreign-registered vehicle has received a parking ticket is received by our central processing department, it is automatically cancelled,” a representative for Strathclyde Police revealed.

“The tickets are unable to be processed through the system if the car is not registered with the DVLA.

“However, in certain circumstances, we will trace the vehicle and owner within their country of residence.”

There are thousands of personalised registrations available to choose from, but finding the right one for you can be difficult.

National Numbers have over 10 years experience in getting people the number plates they want.

Call the experts at National Numbers on 01642 363738.