Britain’s motorists have come out in support of the new European style vehicle number plates, according to a study out today.
Britain’s motorists have come out in support of the new European style vehicle number plates, according to a study out today.
More than three-quarters of people think it’s a good idea that the new look car registration plates – which come into effect on 1 September - identify where in Great Britain the motorist lives and offer the car owner the option of displaying the Euro symbol.
And awareness of the changes is high - with more than two- thirds of people knowing about the introduction, according to the independent survey commissioned by leading motor insurer Norwich Union.
The new format has been designed to help witnesses recall details of the number plate – which will start with two letters rather than the current letter and number combination.
But this may still prove too difficult for the third of all motorists who say they struggle to even remember their own registration number.
Richard Alger, market development manager at Norwich Union Insurance, said: "These changes being introduced by the DVLA will apply to the plates of vehicles registered from September and to all replacement plates. Our research shows that people welcome the changes and are particularly interested in being able to identify the region where the car was registered.
"And maybe the introduction of these new number plates will give children travelling in the car a new game to play – spotting where people live, instead of the number of red cars on the road."
Motorists requiring additional information about number plates can call the DVLA Vehicle Enquiries on 0870 240 0010.
Norwich Union offers full travel and motor insurance for motorists. For more information contact your insurance broker or call Norwich Union Direct on 0800 888 111.
Notes to Editors:
*Norwich Union commissioned Taylor Nelson Sofres to conduct an independent survey of more than 1,000 adults. The survey was carried out in August 2001.
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For further information contact Gabrielle Brewer or Anja Kueppers at QBO on 020 7379 0304 or Jenny Chapman at Norwich Union on 08703 666 864