A Tamworth woman has won her long-fought battle with the DVLA after her car was “unlawfully” towed away, has been left devastated to find it’s been crushed.

After two-and-a-half years of battling with authorities, Anita Underhill-Smith of Grassholme, Stonydelph, is relieved that this nightmare is over.

“The last two-and-a-half years of my life has been terrible,” revealed Anita.

“No-one should have to go through it.

“There are times when I have not slept. I suffer from anxiety and panic attacks.”

After the vehicle was damaged by car thieves in 2009, Anita declared the car as off the road as she couldn’t afford to have it repaired.

“I asked the police if it could be parked at the back of my home and they said it would be OK,” Anita revealed.

“Because it was broken into I could not afford to get it repaired, but I kept it insured.

“In the November one of the neighbours knocked on the door saying there was a warning sticker on the car. I tried to telephone the number but there was no answer.”

However, the next day she watched from the window to see her car “going down the road on the back of a truck.”

“I phoned the DVLA and the council but no-one could tell me where my car had gone.

“I was just banging my head against a brick wall. It was phone number after phone number after phone number.

“The DVLA did not know where it was. Nobody knew.”

She moved house in January 2010, but in September there were “two men banging at the door”.

“They said ‘we are here to arrest you for non-payment of a fine’,” Anita added.

“I told them I had not had a fine, but I was taken to Cannock and into court, but no-one had any paperwork.”

Magistrates told her that the situation would be resolved, but after eight months, Anita’s name appeared in the Herald’s weekly court lists.

It stated that she had been convicted of keeping an unlicensed motor on the road, and fined £235, plus costs.

“I went to work and everyone said ‘you’re a dark horse’,” Anita said.

“Then I read in the Herald I had been fined.

“I sent a letter to the court, saying I refused to pay and would appeal.”

Earlier this month Stafford Crown Court threw the case out.

“A judge ruled that my car had been taken unlawfully,” she said. “I represented myself against a barrister from the DVLA.

“The judge asked if I had any questions and I said ‘where’s my car?’”

An investigation showed that the car had been scrapped, leaving Anita devastated.

“It’s wrong. It’s awful to see your name in the paper guilty of an offence and you know nothing about it.”

Anita will pursue compensation from the DVLA this week after visiting her solicitor.

For a great price for a wonderful number plate, just call the experts at National Numbers, on 01642 363738.

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The use of number plate recognition cameras could be the reason for the sharp drop in number plate thefts.

Figures released under the Freedom of Information Act show that thefts of number plates have dropped in Wales, from 1,224 in 2008/09 to 956 in 2010/11.

Automatic Number Plate Recognition might be the reason for the downturn in the theft of registration plates, as police can instantly detect cars using the wrong plates, according to Andrew Howard, head of road safety at the AA.

“If you want to drive uninsured, you’re not going to get very far if the system spots your car isn’t registered as insured,” explained Mr Howard.

“If the police spot that the blue car (with those plates) should be white, it could be the sort of thing that ends with you getting pulled over.”

He believes that detecting number plates that have been reported as stolen can be detected much more easily and helps to reduce other crimes, too.

“So much boils down to the fact that if someone is a criminal they have little regard for the law generally,” he added.

“You can quite often find that they will drive uninsured or break the speed limit. That’s why so many major criminals end up being caught by the police (for minor driving offences).”

Gary Kelly, police inspector for North Wales Police, is backing the technology in its use against crime.

“Automatic Number Plate Recognition technology is deployed extensively across North Wales so should thieves steal number plates, we will immediately be able to recognise if they have been placed on another vehicle when it passes one of our ANPR locations or vehicles,” he revealed.

“This is sending a strong message to criminals, that if they steal cars or number plates in North Wales they will be caught.”

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

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Ian “Blink” McDonald, one of Scotland’s most famous gangsters, has sold his most prized number plate for over £20,000.

McDonald chose to sell the number plate following the deliberate torching of his Mercedes.

This incident isn’t the first time that McDonald has been targeted.

Members of the Scottish criminal underworld have made several attempts on his life.

Past attempts have seen a bomb attached to his car, as well as a fire-bombing attempt.

Following these attacks, McDonald is now hoping to keep a lower profile.

“I’ve been keeping a lower profile lately and I decided to get rid of the number plate. I sold it for over £20,000 – I was pleased with the deal.

“I almost felt like I shouldn’t have sold it to the guy because his car will probably end up getting blown up.

“It’s a great reg but I just decided I would be better with something that didn’t stand out so much.

“I’m not sure where it is but hopefully the new owner isn’t mistaken for me.”

McDonald loved cruising around in his Black Mercedes, bearing the ‘B1 LNK’ numberplate for which he was so infamously associated with.

Following the 2009 fire-bomb attack, insurers refused to pay out, causing McDonald to adopt a lower profile.

Just days after his car was attacked, rivals attacked McDonald, slashing his face and attempting to cut his throat.McDonald now drives a Vauxhall Astra with a regular number plate.

You can find a great personalised registration for a low price.

Just call the experts at National Numbers on 01642 363738 and let one of the friendly advisers guide you to your perfect number plate.

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Proposals have been unveiled by Roads Minister, Mike Penning, outlining how millions of motorists could receive enhanced choice and flexibility when they deal with the DVLA.

Under the changes, motorists will find communications with the DVLA greatly enhanced.

People can also expect the DVLA’s online services to be greatly enhanced.

The new developments are expected to save the DVLA approximately £28 million per year.

“This is a major step change which will make dealing with the DVLA easier and quicker for motorists and businesses up and down the country,” explained Road’s minister, Mike Penning.

“Centralising the DVLA’s services is the first crucial step towards making more of its transactions available online, allowing people to deal with the DVLA at their chosen time and place.

“This will mean quicker turnarounds and meet our customers’ growing needs.”

The new centralised service will give customers many more ways to receive the DVLA’s services than are currently available from the 39 regional DVLA offices.

DVLA boss, Simon Tse, believes the changes are needed.

“The DVLA has been serving motorists for over 40 years in one form or another,” explained Mr Tse.

“But times change and customers’ needs change.”

“That is why it’s essential that we move with the times and make the best use of our services and experience to make sure we give the motor industry and the general public a service that is fit for the 21st century, allows them to carry out their business in a way that suits them and offers the best value for money for the taxpayer.”

For an easy way to get a personalised registration, at a price you will be delighted with, just contact the number plate experts at National Numbers, on 01642 363738.

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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.

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Quality of eye sight was being given serious consideration during the British Insurers Motor Conference.

Industry professionals were looking at a range of options when trying to improve the way in which young people approach road safety and improving road safety in the future.

Jon Sellors, the group head of thought leadership at RSA, instigated talks supporting the improvement of eyesight to benefit road safety.

One of Mr Sellors’ main concerns was focused on how you are only tested on eyesight when you take your driving examination, then again when you are 70 years old.

Mr Sellors backed up his concerns with data from research which showed that, out of 2,000 people questioned, 21% confessed to struggling to read road signs.

One in five of those questioned had not had an eye test in the past two years.

“No one knows for certain how many people are on our roads effectively driving blind,” explained Mr Sellors.

“It is obvious that the current regime that we have for testing driver’s eyesight is woefully inadequate.”

Mr Sellors even suggested that the standard ‘number plate reading test’ should be “scrapped” and replaced with a thorough test by an optician before a licence can be given.

In addition to this, he believes that anyone who renews their licence should have to prove that they have had an eye test within the past two years as a part of the renewal process.

“We are acutely aware that nothing will happen without widespread support,” he added.

“However, 89% of MP’s when questioned agreed that people with poor eyesight are a danger to themselves and other road users.

“Furthermore over half of those MP’s agreed that an eye test should be part of the driving license renewal process and would also support legislation to increase the provision for eyesight testing when people take a driving test.”

For a fantastic personalised registration at a price you can afford, just contact the number plate experts at National Numbers, on 01642 363738.

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The police chief for Knutsford believes that installing more Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras will help to catch the ‘bad guys’.

During the October meeting, councillors directed a series of questions at Inspector Steve Griffiths based around the implementation of ANPR systems in the local area in a bid to reduce crime.

Some councillors voiced their concern at the possibility of having their information recorded by the camera.

The mobile ANPR system was shown to the town Mayor, councillor Stewart Gardiner and the Guardian.

During the 4 hours, over 5,000 vehicles had their number plates read and seven drivers were pulled over by police in the 40 minutes Clr Gardiner and the Guardian were there.

However, at a cost of £7,000, it is unclear who will fund the purchase of the ANPR system, although Insp Griffiths hopes the town council will apply for a grant on behalf of the police.

“We have about 90 crimes a month but my main issue is people coming in from other areas to commit crime,” explained Insp Griffiths.

“These cameras have been used at Crown Court to get murderers and we want to use it to get the bad guys.

“I took it to the Knutsford Local Area Partnership to ask for advice and, as a policeman, they advised me to ask you.”

Insp Griffiths insisted that if the driver was a law abiding citizen, then nothing would be done with their information, as all the information accessed has already been provided to the DVLA by the driver.

Funding for the ANPR system will be discussed at the December meeting.

For a fantastic personalised registration at a price that suits your pocket, just contact the experts at National Numbers, on 01642 363738.

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For those looking for an extra special gift this Christmas, look no further than the upcoming DVLA Personalised Registrations Auction!

With 1,500 number plates set to go under the hammer, you can be sure of finding the perfect personalised registration for you.

The next DVLA personalised registration auction is the last of six held during 2011.

Those named Alison will be in for a treat if they can place a winning bid when ‘AL11 SON’ goes up for bidding.

The three-day event will commence on Wednesday 30th November and end on Friday 2nd December.

The DVLA’s Personalised Registrations Events Manager, Jody Davies, believes the event will be a great success: “Our final auction of the year has again been timed to ensure our successful bidders will be able to turn around the relevant paperwork in time to place their registration on their chosen vehicle.

“The perfect Christmas surprise.

“As our figures show, a huge number of personalised registrations are bought as gifts, and what better personal gift for someone than their own private registration, one they’re able to keep for life!”

With over a third of the personalised registrations bought from the DVLA passed on as gifts, there’s no better time to find a fantastic number plate at a low price.

AL11 SON will be highly anticipated with a reserve price of just £3,000, while 14 O looks set to go way above its reserve price of £10,000.

There are many others to choose from, including: ALF 4X (£450), ASW 41N (£450),  BAG 80Y (£400), 1970 DB (£2,500), ELL 51E (£400), FER 458X (£400), FSM 117H (£400), GYM 805S (£400), HES 600D (£400), HU57 LER (£1,000), JLS 13 (£1,800), KRY 848Y (£400), MR51 GNS (£500), NE11 LLS (£2,000), 36 OO (£3,000), 11 OOO (£4,000), RO11 AND (£4,000), UTD 574R (£400), VD51 NGH (£1,000).

National Numbers will even provide you with a bidding service if you are unable to attend, and their friendly staff can assist you every step of the way.

So don’t miss out; just call 01642 363738 today to find out more.

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A change in the law is being sought by the mother of a teenage girl, tragically killed in a road accident.

Jackie McCord is calling for the licences to be withheld from unfit drivers following the death of her 16-year-old daughter, Cassie.

Cassie passed away after she was struck by a car driven by a pensioner, just days after police had warned them not to drive.

Mrs McCord is now seeking a change in the law, to give police the power to immediately withhold the licence of anyone who they deem unfit to be driving on the road.

A petition has even been set up in support of the action, with 3,000 people already signing to show their backing.

If the petition reaches 100,000 signatures, a debate will be forced in the house of commons.

Speaking on the subject, Mrs McCord stated: ”If the police had had the power to withhold the driver’s licence after his first crash, my daughter would still be alive.

“He was clearly unfit to be on the road and we should have measures in place so that we don’t have to wait for the worst to happen before revoking a licence.

“Cassie’s death has devastated our family but we are determined that something positive comes out of the tragedy.

“What is particularly heartbreaking about her death is that had the law been different, the police would have been able to prevent this from happening.”

Don’t miss the chance to purchase a personalised registration that really says something about you.

1,500 more unique number plates will go under the hammer at the Dormy House Hotel, Broadway, Worcestershire, during the next DVLA three-day event.

Just call the number plate experts at National Numbers on 01642 363738 and enquire about the specialist auction bidding service on offer.

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A student who stole hundreds of pounds worth of petrol from a number of petrol stations in the West Midlands has been ordered to undertake community service.

Umair Khan of Bordesley, central Birmingham, confessed to stealing petrol in £50 to £60 amounts from several petrol stations earlier in the year.

Plain-clothed officers managed to apprehend Mr Khan whilst in the act of leaving a Sainsbury’s petrol station without paying.

Solihull Police officers were acting as part of a special police operation, specifically targeting petrol thieves in the area.

Police used Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology to instantly identify that Mr Khan’s black Ford Focus was displaying number plates registered to a blue Mercedes-Benz.

One number plate was also recovered from the back seat, with several others removed from the boot of the car.

Initially accused of 13 separate incidents of stealing fuel, totalling nearly £700, Mr Khan denied all charges.

Prosecutors dropped eight charges, with Khan pleading guilty to five accounts of theft.

In addition, Mr Khan also pleaded guilty to four charges of handling stolen number plates.

Farooq Sheikh directed Operation Kadence, a crackdown on petrol theft in the Solihull area, and stated: ”Solihull has seen a significant fall in the number of fuel thefts as a result of the operation; anybody considering driving off without paying needs to be aware that, in addition to CCTV cameras, police officers may well be watching.

“People can be quite dismissive of fuel theft, believing it’s largely a victimless crime.

“However, the reality is these offences are often committed by people who’ve stolen number plates from other cars or even stolen vehicles – so offenders have a negative impact on the wider community and tend to be linked to other criminality.

“There are CCTV cameras in almost every petrol station now so offenders stand a good chance of being recognised and identified, plus of course we’ll have an excellent description of their vehicle.

“It’s a very risky business.”

For more information on where you can get low priced personalised registrations, just contact the number plate experts at National Numbers, on 01642 363738.

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