VMTP NEWS

• THE EURO PLATE
• PERSONALISED REGISTRATION NUMBERS
• THE NEW FORMAT
• LOCAL MEMORY TAGS
• AGE IDENTIFIERS

THE EURO PLATE
There will also be provision, on a voluntary basis, for the display of the Euro symbol and GB national identifier on the plate. This will enable motorists to dispense with a separate GB sticker when travelling within the EU, if they wish. Motorists may continue to show their national or regional identity through the use of stickers or badges, provided they are not displayed on the number plate.

PERSONALISED REGISTRATION NUMBERS
The Agency's Sale of Marks scheme will continue to sell personalised registration numbers under the current and new formats.
If you already have a personalised registration then it will still be valid after the introduction of the new format. You will be able to assign or transfer it to vehicles first registered on or after 1st September 2001 provided you comply with the transfer rules that pertain at the time.

THE NEW FORMAT
From 1st September 2001, new UK vehicles will be allocated registration marks in the new format. This will comprise seven characters and include local and age identifiers, as shown below:

In the example above BD signifies Birmingham, 51 represents September and SMR is the random element.
The local memory tag is linked to the DVLA Local Office where the vehicle was first registered and is intended to help witnesses recall details of the number plate.
The age identifier will change every six months in March and September.
In the example above BD signifies Birmingham, 51 represents September and SMR is the random element.