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National Numbers Articles

Melbourne Police Tackle Number Plate Thefts

February 27, 2011
Posted in Number Plate News — Written by matthew.smith

Police in Melbourne, Australia, are taking proactive steps to deter the ever increasing trend of number plate theft.

Following a spate of number plate thefts, police forces are now urging residents to fit on-way screws in an attempt to curb the new crimewave.

In January alone, 14 number plates were stolen from vehicles, resulting in an overall rise in thefts from motor vehicles.

Nearby neighbourhoods of Hume and Moreland experienced 66 and 59 thefts (respectively) for a similar timeframe.

Criminals aren’t just resorting to number plate thefts however, as 69 cars were stolen from Moonee Valley and 230 cars were stolen from Moreland.

Alicia Lippiatt, Crime Prevention Officer for Melbourne Police revealed that one-way screws were a great way to deter number plate thieves.

“Time frames are very important for thieves, so if you can make number plates harder for them to remove, they will be deterred and move on,” explained Leading Senior-Constable Lippiatt.

For those who are interested in fitting the tamper proof screws, many local police stations are giving the screws away for free.

For residents in the UK, the best and most affordable way to find a fantastic personalised number plate is to contact the experts at National Numbers.

National Numbers have over 10 years experience in getting people the number plate of their dreams.

The experts at National Numbers can even provide a bidding service at one of the DVLA‘s national number plate auctions, ensuring you get a unique number plate at the lowest possible price.

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

To find out more about how you can get a unique number plate at a low price, just call the friendly advisers at National Numbers, on 01642 363738.

More Than 1,000 Over 75′s Licences Surrendered to DVLA

Posted in DVLA News — Written by matthew.smith

The driving licences of more than 1,000 over 75 year old motorists were either revoked or surrendered last year.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has released figures showing that 1,055 motorists gave up their driving licence due to reasons such as poor-health and death.

In the UK, the DVLA doesn’t impose a maximum age limit on drivers.

However, if a driver experiences changes to their general health or is inflicted by a disability, they must inform the DVLA if the change could affect their ability to drive safely.

Motorists are forced to renew their licence once they reach 70, and then every three years.

Advanced driver for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA), Stan McMillan, 82, believes that age shouldn’t automatically determine someone’s ability to drive.

“One of the things you can never buy or teach is experience,” Mr McMillan explained.

“I passed my test in 1954 and I have never had an accident.

“If people are fit and well, why shouldn’t they be allowed to drive for as long as they want to?

“I take a test with Rospa every year and I think driving is one of those things you can never stop learning.”

The Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership held courses for over 65′s to improve their driving skills during 2010.

“There are some drivers of a certain age out there who are not aware of the technology in newer cars,” explained John Siddle, spokesman for the Partnership.

“Perhaps, because some passed their test 50 years ago, they lack confidence on the roads.

“We found from the pilot project last year that people were coming to us for assistance.

“Drivers from all age groups should have regular eye tests.

“There should be no stigma to surrendering your licence.

“In some cases it may only be for a short period of time until you get back to full health. This avoids risking your life, the lives of your passengers or other road users.”

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

Find a number plate that says something about you by contacting National Numbers on 01642 363738.

Racist Number Plate Idea Withdrawn

Posted in Number Plate News — Written by matthew.smith

Ideas to include the founder of the Klu Klux Klan on Mississippi state number plates have finally been withdrawn, almost a week after they were first suggested.

Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour came under pressure to resolve some racially based issues in the lead up to a potential presidential bid.

It took Mr Barbour until Monday before he finally announced that he would not sign any legislation that allowed for the former Klu Klux Klan leader to be included on any Mississippi license plates.

Barbour took a firm stance against the proposals when questioned by the Associated Press.

“The bureaucracy denied it, the legislature won’t pass it and if the legislature passes it, it won’t become law because I won’t sign it,” he explained.

It’s been reported that Barbour had changed tact, having refused to be drawn either way on making a decision almost a week prior.

Questions are being raised as to whether this change in opinion is down to a genuine change of opinion or an effort to maintain a respectable reputation.

“You’ve got to be prepared for a 10-year commitment and that’s the majority of the rest of my productive life,” Barbour revealed to reported in Iowa.

“I have to see if I have the fire in the belly and the willingness, to the exclusion of all other things, to take that on.”

Many Republicans believe that despite Barbour’s political skills and experience, a run for presidency may be a step too far.

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

So don’t delay! For an amazing personalised registration that really says something about you, contact the experts at National Numbers on 01642 363738.

DVLA Credit Card Charges Investigated

February 20, 2011
Posted in DVLA — Written by matthew.smith

Following a deluge of public complaints over excess charges for the use of credit cards, the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has received a “super-complaint” from consumer watchdog, Which.

Many big names are to go under the spotlight, including the government’s DVLA website, EasyJet, Ryanair, and NCP.

The investigation by the Office of Fair Trading is now mandatory, due to the receipt of a super complaint from Which.

There have already been bans on similar charges in Sweden, Italy, Germany, Portugal and France, with caps on charges in Denmark and Spain.

Four return tickets from Ryanair would induce a £40 charge through the online service.

The price is at no greater fee than the card service’s agreed percentage.

Independent travel agents are usually charged a fixed fee of approximately 10p.

Customers are concerned that the extortionate charges are blatant profiteering.

Many councils are also cashing in on the credit card charges, with some charging up to 5 per cent for each credit card transaction.

Banks are against the approach and feel that they are unfairly criticised, with Visa “completely opposed” to the practice.

Consumers will be following the developments closely while the OFT’s investigation is carried out.

To find a great personalised registration, there’s no better place than National Numbers.

The experts at National Numbers have years of experience in getting people the number plate they want.

The DVLA hold regular number plate auctions, where thousands of personalised registrations go under the hammer at bargain prices.

The next DVLA national number plate auction takes place at Rudding Park, Harrogate on 22nd, 23rd and 24th March 2011.

Don’t miss out! Call National Numbers on 01642 363738 and let them help you to find the perfect plate!

“Serious Flaws” in Automatic Number Plate Recognition System

Posted in DVLA — Written by matthew.smith

The police’s Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system has come under extreme criticism during an inquiry into the monitoring of sex offender, Peter Chapman.

In 2009, 17 year old Ashleigh Hall from Darlington was murdered by Chapman, having met him online.

Two inquiries are being conducted by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), looking into the monitoring of Chapman, with the first investigating the use of ANPR.

When Chapman failed to inform police of his change of address according  vehicle details were added to the Police National Computer in October 2009 by Merseyside Police; the month that Ashleigh was murdered.

ANPR “hits” were recorded by police forces in Durham, North Yorkshire and Cleveland between 23rd and 26th October.

He was arrested by Cleveland Police following these hits, and he confessed to Ashleigh’s murder shortly afterwards.

“This investigation has highlighted serious flaws in the operation of the ANPR system,” revealed IPCC Commissioner Nicholas Long.

“It is clear that it can be a very valuable asset, but it is dependent on the system being managed and monitored well and containing accurate information.”

Mr Long added that there needed to be a ”full review” to show the ANPR system can be beneficial.

When asked if better use of ANPR could have prevented Ashleigh’s death, he revealed that it “impossible to say with certainty.”

“But it is clear there were opportunities missed here,” he continued.

“It took 16 hits on the ANPR system before Chapman was finally arrested.

“Tragically in that time he was able to enact his terrible plan to murder Ashleigh.”

To get your hands on a unique number plate for your car, just contact the experts at National Number and let the expert advisers guide you to the ideal personalised registration.

National Numbers have over ten years experience in getting people the number plate they want, so get yours today by calling 01642 363738.

DVLA to Introduce New Motor Insurance Law

February 16, 2011
Posted in DVLA News — Written by matthew.smith

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) will work with the Motor Insurance Bureau (MIB) and British Insurance Brokers Association (BIBA) to introduce a new motor insurance law which will demand drivers keep their vehicle insured unless it’s declared as off the road.

DVLA have added guidance and video to the direct.gov website and information will be added to all V11 tax renewal forms from March.

Corporate Affairs Director at the DVLA, David Evans explained: “We know that uninsured drivers are a menace on our roads and add around £30 to honest motorists’ premiums.

“It is vitally important that motorists understand the change and how it will impact on them.

“That is why we have added new information today to Direct.gov which offers clear advice to help motorists understand the new rules.”

The MIB’s Head of Motor Insurance Database Services, Neil Drane, added: “The change in law is a stepping up of enforcement activity, so that not only those vehicles driven without insurance will be caught.

“Now the registered keeper must make sure that their vehicle is insured all the time.  And if it is, then they need not be concerned.

“The DVLA and MID will be systematically checked, so that the levels of uninsured driving are reduced even further.”

But the changes are already expected to hit some much harder than others.

Cherished Numbers Dealers Association (CNDA) members will have to pay big sums to keep all of their vehicles insured at all times.

Graeme Trudgill, BIBA’s Head of Corporate Affairs reinforced the positive effects the changes will make: “Continuous Insurance Enforcement will help reduce the £500 million burden on innocent motorists caused by uninsured drivers, vehicle keepers should ensure they stay insured or SORN their vehicle if it is laid up, vehicle keepers can always check at www.askmid.com or speak to their insurance broker or company if they have any doubt.”

National Numbers have over ten years experience in finding people the number plate they really want.

To find a personalised registration that really says something about you, contact the number plate experts at National Numbers, on 01642 363738.

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.

Drivers Face Eyesight, Epilepsy and Diabetes DVLA Licensing Rethink

Posted in DVLA News — Written by matthew.smith

Drivers may need to meet new minimum requirements when current standards are reassessed by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency.

The changes are due to be introduced following the implementation of European minimum medical standards for drivers.

The UK will be forced to meet the new minimum standards that the EU introduces, but not made to relax the existing high standards.

The advice from the Secretary of State’s Medical Advisory Panel is that relaxing the standards will meet road safety requirements, and the new standards should be introduced by the UK.

Road Safety Minister Mike Penning believes that people should be given the right to drive if they meet Europe-wide requirements.

“Britain has some of the safest roads in the world and licensing rules have an important role in maintaining this position.

“We must make sure that only those who are safe to drive are allowed on our roads, while at the same time avoiding placing unnecessary restrictions on people’s independence

“We have taken expert advice on the latest evidence on eyesight, epilepsy and diabetes and believe these proposals strike the right balance in allowing as many people as possible to drive, without compromising safety.

“We would welcome views from anyone affected by the changes and will consider all representations before setting out our final decisions.”

The period of consultation will continue until 28 April 2011, and the amendments are expected to be major.

Epilepsy sufferers who only experience seizures whilst asleep will be considered for a licence after one year rather than the current requirement of three years.

Furthermore, drivers whose seizures that have no affect on the ability to act or conciousness can be considered for a license after one year.

Diabetes sufferers will not be issued or have their license reviewed if they experience recurrent severe hypoglycaemia and/or hampered hypoglycaemic awareness.

People with reduced eyesight capability will only need to read a number plate from 17.5 metres rather than the current distance of 20 metres.

Contact the number plate experts at National Numbers today on 01642 363738, and find the personalised registration that’s perfect for you.