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National Numbers Articles

Get an 11-Series Number Plate – You Know it Makes Sense!

December 26, 2010
Posted in DVLA News — Written by matthew.smith

The DVLA are already reaping the rewards from their early release of their 2011 series of personalised registrations.

The 11 series will be added to vehicles from the 1st March 2011, but the DVLA are giving people the chance to get their hands on some extra special registrations early.

One of the registrations to really catch the eye is DE11 BOY, a representation of Only Fools and Horses’ cheeky Del Boy.

Using numbers to represent letters is commonplace in the hunt for personalised registrations, with changes like 5 often representing and ‘S’, 3 in place of ‘E’, and 8 substituted for ‘B’.

Some of the 11-series number plates that have caught the public eye include BU11 DOG, GA11 0PS, WE11 BAD and FA11 GUY.

So far this month, the sale brought in a staggering £12.5 million into the government funds, just on the first day.

Some even more expensive plates have been held back for future auctions, with some reserve prices set to edge the £10,000 mark.

With DE11 BOY set to go to auction in the New Year and is widely expected to sell for thousands.

The range of personalised number plates will have to stay within the boundaries of taste and decency, however, as a team of DVLA employees work hard to prevent any from slipping through the net.

Some of the plates that have been restricted from release include BU11 ETS, PO11CE and TA11BAN.

Don’t miss out on some of the best number plates to ever go under the hammer.

Some bargains are set to go on offer at the next of the DVLA’s number plate auction, taking place at the Imperial War Museum, Manchester, Cheshire on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th February, 2011.

Contact the experts at National Numbers on 0162 363738 and find out how the friendly advisers can guide you to your ideal number plate.

UAE Snap Up Rare Number Plates

Posted in Number Plate News — Written by matthew.smith

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has set the world record for the most expensive number plate ever sold at auction.

Plate No. 1 was sold for a whopping Dh52.5 million (£9.25m) in Abu Dhabi in February, 2008 during an Emirates Auction charity drive.

During the auction, 90 number plates were sold, raising a staggering Dh88.15 million (£15.5m) for the accident victim charity.

Not only does the UAE hold the record for the most expensive number plate, but also broke the record for the second (Dh25.2m), third (Dh16.5m), fourth (Dh11.4m) and fifth (Dh10m) most expensive number plates, too.

In fact, almost 75% of the worlds most expensive number plates ever to be auctioned (37 of the top 50) were purchased in the United Arab Emirates, totalling Dh225 million (£39.7m).

Citizens of Hong Kong spent £4.2m and the UK splashed out £2.57m on number plates, joining the UAE in the top three.

“The values of top quality number plates are growing, worldwide. With each year that passes, international records for the highest prices paid are being shattered,” one number plate expert revealed.

“It is, perhaps, harder for some people to understand why owners willingly pay many thousands of pounds for their ultimate personalised number plates.

“While there is still a fun aspect, even to the most expensive and sought-after registrations, many owners also have very serious reasons for their purchases.

“In fact, ‘investments’ is probably a more appropriate word to use in these cases.”

A range of factors can affect a number plate value, with initials being high in demand due to the wide range of people that may have the initials.

Named and numbered plates are also extremely popular to personalised registration seekers.

Contact the experts at National Numbers today on 01642 363738 and find the perfect number plate for your car.

Salesman Cashes in on Rude Number Plates

Posted in Number Plate News — Written by matthew.smith

A car salesman has seen a gap in the number plate market for rude personalised registrations.

Ben Holdaway, 35, of Southampton, is looking to take full advantage of the highly sought-after new 11 series of number plates.

The 11 series will be added to new cars from March 1st 2011, but the DVLA put seven million of the new 11 series number plates on sale earlier this month, attracting a lot of interest from personalised registration enthusiasts.

Each 11 series plate went on sale at a cost of £399 from the DVLA.

Mr Holdaway has been targeting the 11 series by using a Scrabble website to make as many words as possible, using the 11 as a ‘U’.

The technique brought him some instant success, with Mr Holdaway selling ‘BO11AXX’ to a private buyer for thousands of pounds.

But Mr Holdaway was shocked to find his application for ‘FF11 KED’ granted for approval by the DVLA.

The DVLA have very strict guidelines regarding what is and isn’t appropriate and wastes no time in removing any offensive number plates from its range.

“It doesn’t take a genius to see the word it spells,” explained Mr Holdaway.

Jody Davies, personalised number plates auction manager at the DVLA believes that on occasions, controversial registrations will evade the vetting process.

“We have several people who meet to discuss what should be flagged up as inappropriate,” Miss Davies explained.

“We try to be comprehensive but there are always going to be certain ones that slip through the net.”

The DVLA host several number plate auctions every year, with the next event taking place at the Imperial War Museum, The Quays, Manchester, Cheshire on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th February, 2011.

Contact National Numbers on 01642 363738 and find out more about the great range of personalised registrations set to go under the hammer.

DVLA Christmas Party Cancelled

December 19, 2010
Posted in DVLA News — Written by matthew.smith

Employees from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency’s (DVLA) headquarters in Swansea experienced a saddening blow to their Christmas plans after extreme weather conditions led to their festive party being cancelled.

Over two dozen coachloads of workers from the Swansea based employer were set for a big night of enjoyment after a difficult year, only for it to be cancelled due to heavy snow.

The staff were told to stay at home instead of risking the bad conditions, leaving the city up to 20,000 people short on what should be one of the busiest nights of the year.

Bars and Businesses will be hit hard by the absence of staff from Swansea’s biggest employer, with many shops suffering setbacks in sales due to the weather.

Cardiff was also hit by the adverse conditions, with the expected 300,000 shoppers and celebrators severely cut in numbers.

Estelle Hitchon of Cardiff and Vale University Health Board expected a far greater amount of patients in the accident and emergency department.

“There were plenty of attendances, some of those alcohol-fuelled as you would expect, but nothing like people would expect to see on a normal Black Friday,” she explained.

Richard Dodd at the British Retail Consortium revealed: ”There’s no question this weather will reduce shopper numbers this weekend.

“We would normally have expected this to be the busiest shopping weekend of the entire year.

“Many retailers were counting on that happening as many of them have seen their sales really seriously undermined so far this month.

“They were hoping to make up for that this weekend, and now we’ve had this awful re-visitation from the terrible weather, that has called all that into question.”

Treat yourself this Christmas to a unique, personalised registration and make your car stand out from the crowd, by calling the experts at National Numbers on 01642 363738.

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

Number Plate Technology Catches Unlicensed Drivers

Posted in Number Plate News — Written by matthew.smith

Australian police are mounting a large scale crackdown on unlicensed drivers this Christmas, armed with ground-breaking new number plate recognition technology.

Victoria Police will implement Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology throughout the state during Operation AEGIS this Christmas.

The police force will use ten units in their operation, which will rapidly scan number plates to give immediate vehicle information.

Trials of the ANPR technology first took place in December 2007, with over a million number plates scanned and more than 13,000 illegal drivers stopped.

The ANPR devices are fitted into unmarked vans and linked to a number plate information database, with specially trained users on hand.

When an unauthorised driver is flashed up on the system, the operator contacts cooperating police vehicles with the information.

Analysis of road trauma data has revealed key areas of importance to police, and has largely dictated the positioning of the ANPR vehicles.

An estimated one million drivers are expected to be breathalysed in Victoria over the Christmas period, with Deputy Commissioner Ken Lay expecting a busy period for police.

“Over the next 24 days police will be across roads in every corner of the state. We will be breath-testing one million drivers for the Christmas period,” he explained.

“Twenty four hours a day, every single day for the next 24 days, police will be working.”

There are a range of great ways to find the perfect one for you and your vehicle at a price you will be delighted with.

The DVLA hosts a number of personalised registration auctions every year, where thousands of first class number plates will go under the hammer.

Call the experts at National Numbers on 01642 363738 and find out more about the next DVLA auction at the Imperial War Museum, The Quays, Manchester, Cheshire on 2nd, 3rd, 4th February 2011.

DVLA C1 License Rules To Go Unchanged

Posted in DVLA News — Written by matthew.smith

In spite of mounting pressure from groups demanding changes to the license system for motorhome drivers, the Driver Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has announced that no changes will be made to the current system.

Currently, the C1 license is required for motorhome drivers with vehicles over 3.5 tonnes and is held by commercial vehicle drivers.

Motorists who passed their test after 1 January 1997 were denied the addition of this on their license, in comparison to drivers prior to 1997 who were automatically granted the C1 license.

This has left many people infuriated that if they wish to drive a larger motorhome, they will need to take commercial vehicle training, which includes driving a 7.5-tonne lorry.

Calls for a different category which would include larger motorhomes have been quashed by the DVLA, with the current rules set out by EU legislation.

A DVLA spokesperson explained: “There are no plans to introduce a motor home specific category.”

“A motorhome falls within the definition of a goods vehicle, which is defined in Section 3 of The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 as a ‘motor vehicle or trailer constructed or adapted for use for the carriage or haulage of goods or burden of any description’.

“If a trailer has a maximum authorised mass (MAM) between 3.5 tonnes and 7.5 tonnes a category C1 driving licence is needed; if the MAM exceeds 7.5 tonnes a category C driving licence is required. Category C+E entitlement is required for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes with a trailer over 750kg.”

National Numbers have spent over ten years finding people the number plate they want.

There are thousands of great, unique personalised registrations, and you can get your ideal number plate by calling the experts at National Numbers, on 01642 363738.

Former Boxing Champion Jailed for Speeding

December 12, 2010
Posted in Number Plates — Written by matthew.smith

Former British heavyweight boxing champion, Matt Skelton, has been sentenced to five months in prison after lying to police.

Police spoke to Skelton after his car was caught speeding. with Skelton explaining that it wasn’t him, but a car valet called “Brian Williams”.

With police unable to locate a Brian Williams, Skelton was placed under arrest, and subsequently admitted to three counts of perverting the course of justice.

Unimpressed with Skelton’s behaviour, Judge Hawkesworth told how he found Skelton to be “arrogant;” believing himself to be “above the law.”

Skelton’s Porsche, equipped with personalised number plates, was found to have been travelling at 44mph in a 30mph zone in the November of 2006, and 37mph in a 30mph zone and 41mph in a 30mph zone in August 2008.

Skelton had even provided a false address for “Brian Williams.”

Judge Hawkesworth appeared to be disappointed by Skelton’s behaviour, revealing how he ”set an example” to show “no-one is above the law.”

“You are a role model to the public, particularly in Bedford and Bedfordshire, and you knew that you were,” Judge Hawkesworth continued.

“One deception in your case may be forgivable but not three over a long period of time.

“I accept that you committed these offences in an arrogant manner.

“I take the view that you committed these offences because, in your own view of your own status, you were above the law.

“The fact that there was no need for you to do what you did emphasises what a cynical offence this was.”

Skelton was handed a five-month jail sentence for his collective crimes, with the possibility of the sentence being halved.

To get a unique personalised registration you can be really proud of, contact the experts at National Numbers, on 01642 363738.

DVLA Lose Three-Year Tax Disc Battle

Posted in DVLA News — Written by matthew.smith

A man from Southport has won his three-year battle with the DVLA following allegations of tax disc fraud.

Stuart Ball was awarded £250 as means of an apology from the DVLA and chose to donate the money to the charity Help for Heroes.

In 2007, Mr Ball sold his car on eBay and sold his tax disc separately.

However, having failed to pay the additional costs, the new car owner sent off for a replacement license, stating that it had been “lost or stolen”.

The DVLA then proceeded to refuse a refund or duplicate license to Mr Ball.

“It was like banging your head on a brick wall,” he explained.

“I had the original tax disk, so what didn’t they understand?

“They were going against their own rules and it was a complete nightmare trying to get them to see the error of their ways.

“They just kept on refusing any responsibility and passed me from pillar to post.

“My complaint was not about financial compensation, it was simply about righting a wrong.

“The amount of money was small but the DVLA had no right to refuse me a refund. It may have been three years, and there were countless letters, but the report was well worth waiting for.”

Mr Ball was pleased that justice was done: “It became a matter of principle to pursue the case with the DVLA, not only to right a wrong but more importantly to stop this situation happening to any other innocent people.”

With the DVLA refusing to budge on the matter, MP for Southport, John Pugh, was called in to assist in Mr Ball’s case.

Coun Pugh revealed his delight at the decision: “There was a clear loophole in the law and procedures adopted by the DVLA but they were refusing to acknowledge it, right up to their chief executive.”

“We have had problems before with the DVLA not being able to deal with any circumstances which were in any way out of the ordinary. The DVLA culture is not good: ‘The computer says no’ could be their private catchphrase.”

To get a unique number plate at great price, call the experts at National Numbers, on 01642 363738.

Leicester Councillor Calls for Sale of Luxury Number Plates

December 11, 2010
Posted in Number Plate News — Written by matthew.smith

A senior councillor has called for Leicester City Council to sell its prestigious 1ABC and ABC1 number plates and put the proceeds  to better use.

According to Labour’s Rory Palmer, a large amount of money is tied up in the luxury registrations.

It has been estimated £55,000 could be raised and put to good use during a time of financial uncertainty, departmental cuts and deficit reduction.

“£55,000 is a relatively small amount of money for an authority the size of Leicester City Council,” Mr Palmer explained.

“But there is an issue of how it looks to have two luxury number plates adorning two of the city’s civic cars when people are being made redundant.”

Given to the council for free before centralised registration was introduced in 1974, the plates have soared in value.

Estimates put ABC1 at £30,000 and 1ABC at £25,000.

“We have no immediate plans to discuss the sale of these plates. They are a part of the civic heritage of the city and once sold would be irreplaceable. We do, however, have plans to look at the running costs of the civic vehicles as part of our wider review,” a spokesperson at Leicester City Council revealed.

However, Councillor Palmer sees things very differently.

“I doubt many people in the city would be aware of the background to how the council obtained the number plates, so we should definitely have a conversation with the people of the city on this subject,” he said.

“If the majority of people were in favour of selling them then that’s something we should look at.”

The plates have great novelty, but some worry that the valuations are too high.

Conservative Councillor Ross Grant revealed his feelings on the situation: ”I’m not so sure about this idea. Where do you draw the line? Presumably the Lord Mayor’s chains are worth a lot of money but we would never want to sell those.”

There are thousands of personalised registrations available to choose from, so get the perfect one for you by calling National Numbers on 01642 363738.

Bus With Cardboard Number Plates Stopped

December 1, 2010
Posted in Number Plate News — Written by matthew.smith

A Zimbabwean bus was stopped by Johannesburg police after it was spotted displaying cardboard number plates.

The city’s metro police apprehended the driver as the overloaded bus made its way along the M1 North, just outside of Johannesburg.

According to Inspector Edna Mamonyane, the driver attempted to bribe a police officer and provided false documents.

“The man gave photocopied and false documents to the policeman,” Inspector Mamonyane revealed.

“When the officer told him you have to have legal papers for public transportation, he gave a doctor’s certificate.”

With some of his papers forged and his driver’s permit photocopied, it seemed as though things couldn’t have got any worse for the bus driver.

However, following his string of offences, the driver attempted to bribe the on-duty officer with R100, the equivalent of just under £10.

With the bus en-route to Zimbabwe from Johannesburg, the bus was stopped at approximately 17:00 due to it’s illegal number plates.

“The policeman took it and then arrested him for fraud, corruption and bribery,” explained Mamonyane.

“The bus was overloaded with passengers and goods they had bought in the country.

“Some of them are still in the bus right now.”

To get a great personalised registration at a low price, there’s no better way than at one of the DVLA’s regular number plate auction events.

The next DVLA number plate auction is currently taking place at Ardencote Manor Hotel and Country Club, Claverdon, Warwick, on 1st, 2nd and 3rd December 2010.

There are thousands of number plates up for grabs at bargain prices, but the star of the show will be the 11 O plate, with its reserve price of £10,000.

With 15 plates already released from the O-series, totalling £1.2 million so far, the 11 O is expected to far surpass its £10,000 reserve.

Call National Numbers on 01642 363738 to find out more about the fantastic range of number plates available.