A number plate similar to one that was dubbed ‘offensive’ by the DVLA has been spotted for sale on the DVLA’s website. Just last week, BristolLive reported that the DVLA had given its final ruling about a number plate belonging to Bristol Rovers fans, with the authority telling the couple that they would no longer be able to use it.
The number plate ‘N14 GAS’ was purchased from the DVLA in 1997 by married couple Jackie and John Cooke, from Frampton Cotterell in North Bristol. It symbolised ‘number one for The Gas’, the Gas being the nickname of their favourite football team.
However, back in December, the DVLA sent the couple a letter informing them that they would be withdrawing this registration number from use as it could be read as a racial slur. The couple have been trying to appeal the DVLA’s decision and were required to use a replacement registration number, something they had hoped would be a temporary measure.
Following the DVLA’s final decision this month, which stated that the couple would not be able to use this number plate ever again, eagle-eyed motorists have spotted at least one personalised number plate similar to John and Jackie’s for sale on the DVLA’s official selling site. At time of writing (February 24), the registration number ‘NN14 GAS’ is for sale, priced at £250 – the same price John and Jackie purchased theirs for, some 30 years ago.
The DVLA says that it regularly reviews the appropriateness of registration numbers and withholds any numbers that may cause offence, embarrassment or are in poor taste. It has confirmed to BristolLive that the registration number currently for sale has been ‘reviewed’ and ‘appropriate action taken’.
Previously, a DVLA Spokesperson said:“DVLA regularly reviews the appropriateness of registration numbers and withholds any numbers that may cause offence, embarrassment or are in poor taste. On the rare occasion where potentially offensive numbers slip through the net, steps are taken to withdraw the registration number.”
The DVLA’s rules and policy on personalised number plates also states that when the DVLA is made aware that a registration number is being displayed on a vehicle that may be offensive, consideration is given as to whether it should be withdrawn from use. If a decision is taken to withdraw a registration number its records will be updated, and the customer notified.
Due to the way the process works, the DVLA advises that there will be a short period between the record being updated and the letter informing the keeper of the change arriving at the keeper’s address.
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