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National Numbers Articles

Police Hunt Jewellery Criminals Using False Number Plates

March 21, 2011
Posted in Number Plate News — Written by matthew.smith

A police investigation has been launched into the attempted armed robbery of a Lancashire jewellers in which false number plates were used to assist in the getaway.

During the raid, a member of staff at David Burns Jewellers on Hesketh Lane, Tarleton, was shot during the incident.

Police are calling out for those who were in the local vicinity on Thursday 17 March just before mid-day to contact them with any information that may assist in their search.

A ball bearing gun was used to shoot the member of staff in the ear and chest.

Police located the getaway car, a silver Renault Laguna, after it had been abandoned by the gang’s driver.

The theives removed the number plates, which are thought to be false, and took them as they departed the vehicle.

Police are urging anyone who finds the number plates, that display a registration number similar to MX52MLL, to contact them as a matter of urgency.

“We know that this car was in the area shortly before the attack and has driven along Hesketh Lane in both directions, turning once at the mini roundabout near to Booths supermarket,” explained Detective Inspector Graham Hill.

“The car had two white fluffy cushions on the parcel shelf, along with a box of tissues and a ‘baby on board’ sticker displayed in the back window.

“We believe there were four men on board so someone may have thought that they looked out of place within that particular car.

“The car was found with some mechanical damage and was displaying its hazard warning lights.

“It is likely that they have sustained damage to the car during their getaway and have had to travel at a reduced speed for some distance with their hazard lights in operation.”

To get a number plate that really says something about you, contact National Numbers and let the expert advisers help you to choose from the thousands of personalised registrations.

Don’t waste any more time! To get in touch, call 01642 363738 today.

Oxford Residents Seek Ban on Student Cars

Posted in DVLA — Written by matthew.smith

Residents in East Oxford are seeking a suspension of activity on new student accommodation until student cars are banned.

According to the Divinity Road Area Residents’ Association, the no-cars rule at the students halls can no longer be policed by the university as the DVLA will no longer investigate possible breaches.

The association has stated that emails from Oxford Brookes University and Oxford City Council prove their claims.

With plans to build new student blocks at St Clements car park and Dorset House, Headington, are of concern, with the group hoping to stall developments until new checks are enforced.

However, according to the universities and city planners, the current policy, which targets parking congestion in suburban areas, is still an effective measure.

The current city planning regulations apply to new developments, and state that people living in purpose-built student accommodation cannot have a car.

An email dated October 12, 2009, from Anne Gwinnett, director of corporate affairs at Oxford Brookes to Oxford East MP Andrew Smith, read: “We have now learned that DVLA will no longer provide this information to us (or any other university), unless the vehicle is parked on university land, which means that it will become almost impossible for us to identify student cars parked in local streets.

“Our ability therefore to exert control over students living in our halls of residence with regard to their use of a motor vehicle will be severely diminished.”

Sietske Boeles of the Divinity Road Area Residents’ Association fears that the no-car policy is unenforceable.

“We are calling for a complete moratorium on new planning permissions for student accommodation until sufficient means are found to enforce the policy. The situation has completely broken down.

“The only way forward is a controlled parking zone, possibly across all Oxford, to prevent an overspill of the problem from one area to the next.”

“It is not just inconvenience anymore, it is an issue of highway safety. People park on pavements and people park on corners.

“Emergency vehicles can’t get through.”

Get a great personalised registration that really says something about you, by calling the number plate experts at National Numbers, on 01642 363738.

DVLA Faces Legal Battle Over Licence Revoke

Posted in DVLA — Written by matthew.smith

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is set for a legal tussle in Inverness with a popular local businessman.

Alasdair Dowling, 77, is taking legal action following what he believes to be the unfair withdrawl of his driving licence.

Formally a director at Clachnacuddin Football Club and from the family that owns Cairngorm Windows, Mr Dowling lost his licence when the DVLA deemed him to have “relevant disability” which rendered him unfit to drive safely.

Mr Dowling was contacted by the DVLA in April 2010 with an offer to resit his driving test, following reports from Northern Constabulary that he had failed to stop at a red traffic light.

However, Mr Downling failed the subsequent test after overtaking a cyclist at a traffic island and not signalling at a busy roundabout.

These errors forced the DVLA to declare in their court papers that Mr Dowling has a lack of observational skills and an inability to control the vehicle at all times.

The relevant disability fell under the grounds of ”any prescribed disability or any other disability which is likely to cause the driving of a vehicle by an individual to be a source of danger to the public.”

Unless Mr Dowling can prove that he is a safe driver, he is unlikely to regain his driving licence.

The court papers explain: ”The applicant will be entitled to apply for a new driving licence if he produces either evidence that the visuo-spatial cognitive impairment experienced by him between October 2009 and April 2010 was transitory in nature and has now been resolved or evidence that he does not suffer from an organic brain syndrome.”

A keen competitive Scrabble player, Mr Dowling believes the errors he made are not due to a lack of observational skills or an inability to drive safely.

According to Mr Dowling, the DVLA have failed to acknowledge what the “relevant disability” is, and therefore not legally allowed to revoke his license.

The court hearing will begin on Tuesday.

To get a fantastic personalised number plate, just call the experts at National Numbers on 01642 363738, and speak to one of the friendly advisers.

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

Specialised Number Plates for US Town

March 14, 2011
Posted in Number Plate News — Written by matthew.smith

The town of Wytheville, Virginia, is set to add a local landmark to its residents’ vehicle number plates.

The enormous water tank, which has been painted to look like a hot air balloon, is famous to motorists travelling on the Interstate 81.

Brainchild of Vice Mayor Jackie King, the idea to include the water tower on number plates came as a result of seeing Natural Bridge on a number plate several years earlier.

“So many people recognize the hot air balloon water tower,” Vice Mayor King explained.

“If they see it on a license plate, they’ll know the person is from Wytheville.

“It’s a great way for us to promote our town and our area.”

To get the idea granted for approval, Ms King  needs to get 350 townspeople to sign up with a $10 deposit.

“You don’t have to be a Wytheville resident to purchase the specialised plates,” Ms King added.

“Anyone in Virginia can register for a Wytheville plate.”

The number plates will include the ‘hot air balloon’ water tower and the possibility to personalise it by up to six characters.

“We are trying to reach civic clubs and other organizations to let them know that the registration has started and that we need them to sign up as soon as possible,” Assistant Town Manager Steve Moore revealed.

“I think the interest is there.

“We’ve already talked to the Lions Club and the Wytheville Rotary Clubs.”

With 3,500 households in Wytheville, and many responsible for more than one vehicle, hopes are high that the idea will soon hit the roads.

For UK residents, there are thousands of personalised registrations available to choose from.

Just call the experts at National Numbers on 01642 363738, and let the friendly advisers help you every step of the way.

Calls for Safety Checks on Older Drives Following Car Crash Deaths

Posted in DVLA News — Written by matthew.smith

A woman is calling for increased safety checks on older drivers after a fatal collision with an elderly male driver resulted in the death of her daughter and grandson.

During the February of 2010, Ernest Wray, 89, knocked down Jackie Bloomer, 29, and her 18-month-old son Jayden in Accrington.

The incident resulted in the death of all three involved, with Mr Wray suffering a heart attack whilst driving.

Jackie Bloomer’s mother, Carol Hinett, is campaigning for the DVLA to make changes, determined to see drivers reassessed at 70.

Mrs Bloomer had been stood with Jayden at the corner of the street, on their way to collect six-year-old son Declan from school.

Mr Wray’s car mounted the pavement and careered into Mrs Bloomer and Jayden, with Mr Wray and Jayden pronounced dead in hospital shortly afterwards, and Mrs Bloomer dying three days later.

Accidental death was recorded for all three by coroner Michael Singleton.

Mr Wray was considered to be “generally fit and active for his age” according to medical records, and never experienced heart difficulties whilst driving.

Medically and legally eligible to drive, Mr Wray had only experienced difficulties during exercise and possessed a clean driving licence.

“The rules are clear that all drivers over 70 have to renew their licence every three years and have to tell the DVLA about any conditions which might affect their driving,” explained Road Safety Minister Mike Penning.

“Failure to inform the DVLA is a criminal offence carrying a maximum penalty of £1,000.

“However, evidence does not show that older drivers are more likely to cause a serious accident than others and we have no plans to restrict licensing on the basis of the age of a driver.”

There are thousands of personalised registrations to choose from, so what are you waiting for?

Talk to the experts at National Numbers on 01642 363738, and let them guide you to your perfect plate!

Number Plate Recognition Car Park Machines to be Axed

Posted in Number Plate News — Written by matthew.smith

A car park in West Sussex will say goodbye to its hugely unpopular number plate recognition feature on its car park machines.

Situated in all long-term car parks in the town of East Grinstead, the number plate recognition facility required drivers to enter the last three digits of their number plates into the machine.

Following a three-month public consultation, Mid Sussex District Council announced that it would be removing the facility on the machines, much to the delight of local motorists and district and town councillors.

“The parking machines are ghastly,” explained district councillor Chris Jerrey.

“They should have been taken away and shot. It was like a 1990s mobile phone, and you had to spend ages shuttling back and forward.

“When these machines came in, there was uproar.

“There were always massive queues and sometimes people had to wait for 20 minutes.

“It’s a good decision by Mid Sussex but it’s too late.”

Motorists originally had to enter the last three digits of their registration into the machines in short term car parks, but this was soon revoked.

Even town councillor Ginnie Waddingham has experienced difficulties in using the machines.

“I can’t be the only person that’s happened to, with so many funerals held at St Swithun’s,” she revealed.

“They are so hard, especially at a time when you don’t need it. It is bonkers.”

Councillor Christine Mainstone was equally relieved to hear the news.

“After all this time people are still having problems using them,” she said.

“It’s ridiculous, the car parks are always empty anyway, so it’s brilliant news.

“We’re chuffed to bits.”

Councillor Pru Moore explained that a more user friendly system would be introduced as soon as possible.

“The vehicle registration system was introduced to try and help the smooth running of our car parks and to make life easier for the customers who park with us,” Councillor  Moore said.

To get a great number plate at a price you can afford, just call the experts at National Numbers on 01642 363738.

Fall in New Car Sales for February

March 7, 2011
Posted in Number Plate News — Written by matthew.smith

The month of February saw a drop in new car sales, but not as much as experts had predicted.

According to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), in the month of February 2011, 63,424 vehicles were registered; a drop of 7.7% on February 2010 figures.

February 2010′s sales figures were significantly boosted by the government’s scrappage scheme which rewarded those who traded-in their old vehicle for a new one.

Since the scrappage scheme ended, the sales figures have been dropping for eight consecutive months.

Motor traders often expect February to be a slower month for sales, with many people waiting for the new number plates in March.

Sales are 18.1% down on the 1999-2010 average for February.

However, the SMMT saw positive signs, despite the fall in sales figures.

The SMMT believe that around 20% of sales in February 2010 were thanks to the scrappage scheme incentive, plus the February 2011 decline was the smallest in the past eight months.

Paul Everitt, SMMT’s chief executive explained: ”The UK motor industry is looking for a strong March market to help boost confidence and kick-start demand for the new 11-plate.

“February new car registrations were better than expected and while below 2010 levels, they were significantly ahead of 2009 and on an improving trend.

“This month’s Budget will be critical in determining consumer and business confidence and the ongoing stability of the market.

“We’re looking for certainty on motoring taxes, a freeze on fuel duty and measures that support business investment and access to finance and credit.”

To find a number plate for your vehicle, that really says something about you, get some help from the experts at National Numbers by calling 01642 363738.

National Numbers have over 10 years experience in getting people the perfect personalised registration.

Football Fan Buys Bargain 11 Plate Registration

Posted in Number Plate News — Written by matthew.smith

A Swindon Town football fan has revealed his delight after purchasing a registration that conveys his love for the town and the club.

Following the release of the “11″ plates by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) late last year, Neal Bicher wasted little time in getting his hands on the unique registration, “SW11 NDN.”

“It’s definitely the nearest to Swindon that you can get,” said Neal.

If Neal wanted to get a number plate to represent his love for the town, he knew he had to buy one now or wait years for the next opportunity.

“In six year’s time SW17 DON will be released, which will also be pretty close to “Swindon”, but nothing else really comes close,” he added.

To Mr Bicher’s surprise, the number plate hadn’t been reserved for one of the DVLA’s national number plate auction events and he managed to purchase the plate on the day for just £399.

“The DVLA tend to auction off any plates that vaguely spell out a word and they can go for hundreds of thousands in some cases,” Mr Bicher explained.

His “11″ plate must be used on a new vehicle which has been registered from 1st March 2011.

Despite his love for Swindon Town Football Club, Neal feels that the plate could find a more suitable home and has decided to put it up for sale.

“Swindon Town are my league team and in the non-league I follow Gloucester City – the other number I have is GL05 CTY,” he revealed.

“But I am something of an armchair fan nowadays and have only seen Swindon about 60 times in the last 20 years.

“You see quite a few ’5TFC’ plates in the car park during Swindon Town matches – so it would be kind of good to see this plate going to someone at the football club.”

Find your own personalised number plate at a price you can afford.

Just pick up the phone and call the experts at National Numbers, on 01642 363738, and let the friendly advisers help you every step of the way.

New ‘Code of Conduct’ for Traffic Cameras

Posted in Number Plate News — Written by matthew.smith

The CCTV systems run by councils and police may be set for a ‘code of conduct’ overhaul by the government.

Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera systems are due to be included in the review, with the length of time that data is withheld coming under the spotlight.

The shake-up follows a public apology by West Midlands Police for erecting approximately 200 “spy-cameras” in predominantly Muslim areas of Birmingham.

Derided by the people of Birmingham, many of the cameras were hidden, with funding coming from a £3m government pot allocated to tracking terrorism.

“CCTV and ANPR systems play a vital role in the prevention and detection of crime,” explained James Brokenshire, crime prevention minister.

“However it is important they are used in a way that does not invade law-abiding people’s privacy or undermine the public’s confidence in them.

“That’s why we are establishing this code and that’s why we are asking the public what they think should be in it.”

The Home Office launched a 12-week consultation on 1st March to look into the use of the code, with a new commissioner set to oversee its implementation.

“Anyone considering the use of such technology should first undertake a thorough assessment of the purpose, likely value, and wider impact of such a course of action and determine in the light of that whether or not to proceed,” a spokesperson revealed.

“Good practice suggests that an important way of commanding public confidence is by ensuring transparency of process in the ownership, purpose and use of surveillance cameras.”

Following a damning independent report, West Midlands Police confirmed in December that 200 cameras would be removed from Birmingham.

West Midlands Police maintain that none of the cameras were ever switched on.

To find a personalised registration that really says something about you, let the experts at National Numbers help you every step of the way.

Just call 01642 363738, and let the friendly advisers guide you to the perfect number plate.