§ Mr. Pikeasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he is giving consideration to abandoning the present annual changing of vehicle registration prefixes.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerWe have no plans to do so. The retention of the vehicle age identification system is strongly supported by the Police because it is often an important element in tracing a vehicle where a witness cannot recall the complete number, and in the enforcement of vehicle testing requirements. The age identifier is also supported by consumer protection organisations and by large sections of the motor trade who consider that it helps to sell more new vehicles.