THE motor accessory supplier vGroup International has created a new division called vPlate in preparation for regulatory changes to number plates.
September will see the anticipated introduction of British Standard (BS) AU145e. This replaces BSAU145d and focuses on improving the readability of number plates.
vPlate’s new number plates are made from 3mm thick acrylic polymer featuring hermetically sealed edges. They are 50% more reflective and come with a five-year warranty.
Number plate changes
The key changes to number plate design and vehicle fixing, which also specifies the typeface, the size and colouring used, are:
- The screwed fixings of plates is no longer allowed to avoid damage to the number plate or alteration of the readable area once fitted to a vehicle. Instead fixing pads or brackets must be used, the latter allowable but must not obscure the black of the letters/numbers on a plate.
- The only markings allowed on plates are the British Standard number, a means of identifying the component supplier or manufacturer; and the name and postcode only of the number plate supplying outlet.
- No country flags or the European Union flag are allowed.
- An increased brightness to plate letters and numbers due to the use of the latest laser technology in the manufacturing process.
- Lipped plates, which have proved popular in recent years as a place for business slogans or a personal message outside of the legal area of the number plate containing registration number, boarder, UK or European Union badge and supplier’s details are no longer legal.
Vehicle number plates must conform to British Standards or manufacturers can be fined up to £2,500 and/or be banned from supplying them. The penalty for driving a car with an illegal number plate is a fine of up to £1,000, plus an automatic MoT fail.
Martyn Nash, Chairman of vGroup, said:
“The regulations are designed to improve the readability of vehicle number plates by ANPR and other cameras. We believe the law will be strictly enforced by the authorities – the police, the Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency and, on its behalf, MoT stations. We have also taken the opportunity to redesign vehicle number plates to both conform to the new British Standard and maximise lifetime usage.”
