DVLA clamps down on number plate suppliers

Northern Ireland's Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has declared war on number plate suppliers.

A DVLA consultation paper, on proposals to extend to Northern Ireland the requirement for the registration of number plate suppliers, was issued today.

The scheme is already in operation in England and Wales and its extension to Northern Ireland and Scotland would require number plate suppliers to register with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

Suppliers will be required to keep records of the sale of number plates and to obtain certain information from customers before making a sale. This will include proof of identity and proof of entitlement to the registration mark.

The consultation paper explains the reasons for extending the scheme to Northern Ireland and gives information on how it will operate and be enforced.

In September 1998 the Home Office established a Vehicle Crime Reduction Team to develop and implement a strategy to meet the target set be the Government to reduce vehicle crime by 30% by 2004.

One recommendation of the Team was the introduction of a statutory registration scheme to control the supply of number plates. This along with other measures is aimed at tackling vehicle crime.

(MB)