HC Deb 20 March 1986 vol 94 c248W
Mr. Wood

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what plans there are to change the vehicle age identification system.

Mr. Ridley

The current vehicle age identification system has created difficulties for some parts of the motor industry because of the peak in sales produced when the age letter changes in August. I have considered the views of the main motor trade organisations and I am aware that there are different opinions about what can be done to improve the situation. However, changing the month to October would help some large vehicle manufacturers and would also enable the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Centre to make some savings and improvements in service. The change could not be made in 1986 because manufacturers' production plans have already been settled, but I propose to move the change month to October in 1987.