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National Numbers Articles

There’s Big Money in Number Plates!

August 23, 2011
Posted in Number Plate News — Written by matthew.smith

Number Plate enthusiasts know that there’s big money in personalised registrations, and from September 1, the eagerly anticipated ’61′ range will go on sale.

Some of the 61 range have already been reserved several months ago at auction.

There are some other excellent number plates that have yet to go on sale, including EN61AND which will have a reserve price of £5,000, and other fantastic registrations such as LU61NDA, CH61SEA and TA61THA.

Number Plate sales have turned over a staggering £1.68 billion during the past 20 years and public interest is rising by the year.

“There is a huge demand,” explained the DVLA’s Damian Lawson.

“The March release of the ‘11’ numbers was our most lucrative launch in 22 years because you could make lots of different names, like AL11SON. We sold a record-breaking £16 million worth of private plates on the first day.”

A system is also in place to prevent obscene words from being included in number plates.

“A computer does a lot of the checking, but we have a committee which decides what is and what isn’t acceptable,” Mr Lawson added.

The most recent DVLA event in July saw 1,500 number plates sold for over £3 million.

National Numbers devote a great deal of time trying to get people the number plates they want, and even provide an expert bidding service for those who can’t attend.

Eric Craggs set up National Numbers in 1981 and has seen big changes in three decades of business.

“Back then, the DVLA did everything they could to stop transfers happening,” explained Mr Craggs.

“You had to buy a vehicle for the number plate.

“At one point I had 1,500 motorbikes in three pig sheds, just so I could keep the number plates!”

National Numbers even have the accolade of selling the registration 100 EX for £100,000!

Collecting number plates can be like an addiction for some, with Live columnist Chris Evans clearly hooked on owning unique personalised registrations.

“Private plates are an investment. I’ve got 11 and I wouldn’t buy them if they weren’t,” revealed Mr Evans.

“I actively go looking for good plates – the best place to find them is in a posh car park. I leave a note on the windscreen asking the owner to get in touch!

“I bought FAB 1 and 1 FAB first, because I thought they were the coolest plates in the world.

“The best plate I have is FER 1 because I am mad about Ferraris.

“I buy private plates because I hate the British number plate system. British plates are random, ugly and annoying.”

National Number can guide you to the personalised registration you’ve always wanted, so just call 01642 363738 to speak with the number plate experts today!

Toll Road to Tackle City Centre Safety

Posted in Number Plate News — Written by matthew.smith

A toll road is set to be introduced in the North East, aiming to alleviate congestion and improve safety in Durham city centre.

Following a £5.25m revamp of Durham’s city centre’s market place, critics have labelled the resultant problems with congestion as “an accident waiting to happen.”

In 2002 a toll was imposed on drivers using the city centre’s 1,000 year old Saddler Street.

A retractable bollard system was also employed on the toll road, resulting in hundreds of vehicles becoming damaged.

The bollard is to be removed and replaced by an automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) camera system.

Some believe that the city centre is just “an accident waiting to happen,” including Keith Crowther, chairman of the city’s Chamber of Trade, and MP Dr Roberta Blackman-Woods.

They believe that there is a serious risk of pedestrians losing their lives by sharing the road with vehicles.

Adrian White, head of transport explained: “We take pedestrian safety very seriously and are working with local traders and the MP to explore any concerns that have been raised.”

The county council’s traffic manager, Dave Wafer, added: “Our current priority is to address the issue of congestion which can occur in the narrowest section of Saddler Street.

“Once this has been dealt with, we will consider the introduction of traffic lights.”

During work on the road, the toll has been lifted but will be re-instated once congestion issues have been looked at.

The road was intended to be used by nothing wider than a horse and cart, but prior to the toll, it was used by 3,000 vehicles and 17,000 pedestrians per day.

Following toll charges, the road saw an 85% slump in vehicle activity.

Councillor Neil Foster, cabinet member for regeneration and economic development, said: “We have said on many occasions that we want to reduce traffic in this part of historic Durham to make it a more enjoyable area for pedestrians.

“We need to balance the needs of local people and businesses with those of visitors and the environment and this new system will support that.”

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

Pub Company Uses Number Plates in Safety Initiative

Posted in Number Plate News — Written by matthew.smith

The Stonegate Pub Company has launched a campaign to make late night taxi travel a safer experience.

Under the new initiative, people can feel much safer when getting into taxis and private hire vehicles just by using a new number plate checking system on their mobile phone.

By logging into the ‘Am I Safe’ service and entering the registration number of the car on their mobile phone, an instant response will state whether the car is a council registered taxi or private hire vehicle.

In addition to this, the Am I Safe check can provide a geographic footprint, allowing friends and family to know the passenger’s location at the time.

The system was launched for a trial period in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire on 8 August, with the initiative set for use nationwide in September.

Operations director for the Stonegate Pub Company, Rob Pitcher, is proud to be a part of the Am I Safe campaign.

“‘Am I Safe?’ is a unique new safety measure that will provide real and welcome reassurance to users,” Mr Pitcher revealed.

“The safety and enjoyment of our customers at our late night bars is of upmost priority to us.

“We want to know that they can enjoy a great night in our bars and be sure of getting home safely.

“‘Am I Safe?’ is a great industry-leading solution and we are proud to be sponsors of it.”

Founder of Am I Safe?, Anthony Price-Thompson, believes the technology can help to keep safer.

“Over the past 12 months, we have been working very closely with passengers, operators, Police forces and councils to understand the challenges they face in ensuring the safety of passengers and drivers of taxis and private hire vehicles alike,” Mr Price-Thompson explained.

“I am delighted to say that we have built a web application that aims to meet those challenges and the clear demand from the public.

“We are delighted to welcome Stonegate Pub Company on board who share our vision for a safe night-time economy.”

For a fantastic personalised registration, just contact the experts at National Numbers on 01642 363738.

Number Plates Identify Russian Car Near Murdered Spy’s Home

August 16, 2011
Posted in Number Plate News — Written by matthew.smith

Just days before a British spy’s body was found in a locked holdall in his London flat, cars with number plates registered to the Russian Embassy were seen near his home.

The reason why Russian diplomats were in the area near an MI6 spy’s home just days before the tragedy will raise suspicions over whether he was killed because of his work.

Gareth Williams, 31, was working on spy technology to be used in tracking the movement of Russian money into Europe.

However, he was last seen alive on August 15, 2010, the exact same day a Kremlin car was seen in close proximity to his flat.

The cars were spotted by a former KGB agent living in the area, who defected and moved to London 12 years ago.

Trained in counter-surveillance and surveillance, he believes that the sudden appearance of these vehicles linked with the KGB raises suspicions.

“I still have to worry about my own security, so when I saw these cars I was very concerned and at the time made a detailed note of each of the sightings,” he explained.

“I hadn’t seen any Russian Embassy cars in the area before this and I haven’t seen any since.”

The blue BMW 3 Series vehicle with diplomatic number plate 251D198 was seen by the former agent, just 50 yards from Mr Williams’ flat.

On August 12, the Russian car was seen parked close to Mr Williams’ flat, with the driver inside and the engine running.

One day later, the agent saw another blie BMW 3 Series car with number plate 251D306, this time it was parked in a multi-storey car park behind Mr Williams’ flat.

Post mortem tests have failed to explain the cause of Mr Williams’ death.

A DVLA spokeswoman said: ”We are unable to help with identifying any cars with diplomatic number plates.”

For your own personalised registration that really makes your car stand out from the crowd, just contact the experts at National Numbers, on 01642 363738.

An inquest into Mr Williams’ death will be conducted next month.

‘Educational’ Fixed Penalty Notices Issued

Posted in Number Plate News — Written by matthew.smith

During an operation to educate drivers about the dangers of speeding and antisocial driving, fixed penalty notices have been handed out to offending motorists in Weybridge.

In an attempt to educate drivers, fixed penalty notices were handed out in a police operation designed to make the streets safer.

The operation was handled by Surrey Police Force, in conjunction with representatives from the county council, Surrey’s trading standards team, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) and Elmbridge Borough Council.

A total of 73 vehicles were stopped during the process, resulting in one fixed penalty notice issued for speeding and two notices issued for driving whilst using a mobile phone without hands-free equipment.

In addition, a further three motorists received fixed penalty notices for driving without a valid MOT certificate.

The day also featured a programme to educate drivers about safe driving, with Surrey County Council making 17 speed education interventions and police and county council officers delivering an extra 11 educational interventions on the importance of wearing a seatbelt whilst driving.

Surrey Police’s Casualty Reduction Officer for Elmbridge, Jane Eames, said: “The operation ran very smoothly and it was a good opportunity for officers to take proactive steps to address the antisocial use of motor vehicles in the borough.

“This activity was a continuation of the ongoing Drive SMART campaign which is taking place across the county and I’m pleased we were able to engage with numerous members of the public and make a number of positive interventions.

“The activity was designed to target the issues which Weybridge residents have raised and we made some excellent interventions to address selfish and antisocial driving.

“As a result of the positive response from the community following the latest Drive SMART activity we will be looking to carry out similar operations again in the near future.”

For a fantastic personalised registration, contact the number plate experts at National Numbers, on 01642 363738.

ANPR Used to Prevent Criminals Entering City

Posted in Number Plate News — Written by matthew.smith

Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology has been used by police to prevent known criminals from entering Manchester.

In the days that followed the riots, Manchester’s police force took drastic action in an attempt to identify known criminals and prevent them from entering the city.

Police took to the key routes into Manchester with ANPR cameras, allowing them to instantly identify known criminals by rapidly checking number plates against a national database.

On the evening of Wednesday 10th August, 50 vehicles were denied access to Manchester by police in an attempt to keep the streets problem-free.

“We were instructing anyone with a previous conviction that they had to leave the city,” explained Chief Constable Peter Fahy.

“Quite a number of them had serious previous ­convictions.”

Police believe that the policy was successful and are determined to take the same action if similar trouble arises.

Wednesday’s ANPR tactic followed a previous night of extreme disturbance on Manchester’s streets, in which six police officers were injured.

Between 500 and 1,000 people were involved in a demonstration, with bricks, paving stones, breeze blocks, bottles and stones hurled at police officers.

In a night of extreme unrest, wood with exposed nails were placed under the wheels of fire engines and wheelie bins were torched to melt roads.

“We are capitalising on the public’s mood – one of being appalled at what has happened,” Mr Fahy added.

“People are now talking to us who have never done so before.

“But there should not be a knee-jerk reaction away from neighbourhood policing – that is still the best way to gather intelligence and keep in touch with the community.

“We must get back to normality now and we want people to go back into the city centre.

“The numbers of police on the streets will remain high throughout the weekend. We are on top of the situation.”

To get a personalised registration that makes your car stand out from the crowd, talk to the number plate experts at National Numbers by calling 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.

Man Wins Battle to Keep Risqué Number Plate

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.

Problems in Store for Supply of Number Plates

Posted in Number Plate News — Written by matthew.smith

The supply of number plates in the United Kingdom has come under serious scrutiny, with the British Number Plate Manufacturers Association (BNMA).

It’s widely known that the police, department for transport, DVLA and other related government agencies have been displeased with the current supply of number plates throughout the United Kingdom.

In recent years there has been a significant rise in criminal activity involving number plates.

Faked, cloned, altered and stolen number plates have become a valuable tool in crime, providing getaway cars with alternative identities.

Records show that 33,000 number plates were stolen in 2007.

During 2007, 2,000 “bilking” offences were committed every day, in which cars would fill-up with petrol, then drive away without paying.

The majority of these crimes involved stolen or cloned number plates.

Many believe that the dramatic increase in stolen number plates is to combat the extensive implementation of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras by police.

ANPR cameras are often used by police to automatically detect number plates that are associated with unlawful motorists.

With the aid of a rapid database search, police are immediately notified if a vehicle passes the ANPR camera.

Several government agencies have entered discussions with the British Number Plate Manufacturers Association, with the aim of regulating the supply of number plates throughout the UK.

The areas of discussion that will be put under the spotlight include the introduction of reflective materials as used in other European countries.

They will also review the system involved in recording the on-site production of number plates.

Printers may be linked to a central server in an attempt to stamp-out the production of illegal number plates.

It’s unclear whether the Cherished Numbers Dealers Association (CNDA) will be involved in discussions.

To get a great personalised registration that says something about you, just contact the experts at National Numbers, on 01642 363738.

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!