HC Deb 25 June 1996 vol 280 c81W
Mr. Atkins

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what steps he has taken to review the implications for(a) accident reporting, (b) speed camera recognitions and (c) other similar matters of the use of illegal vehicle registration plates; [33841]

(2) what steps he is taking to curb the abuse of illegal vehicle registration plates. [33840]

Mr. Norris

We are planning later this year to bring forward legislation to strengthen the requirements governing the dimensions, spacing and character style of registration numbers to improve legibility and to reduce the scope for misrepresentation. This should facilitate accident reporting and improve the effectiveness of speed cameras.

Mr. Atkins

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the number of illegal vehicle registration plates. [33858]

Mr. Norris

None.

Mr. Atkins

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what powers are available to Ministry inspectors and police officers to prevent the use of illegal vehicle registration plates. [33839]

Mr. Norris

Sections 42, 43 and 44 of the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994 make it an offence to use registration plates other than in accordance with statutory requirements. Such offences are prosecuted by the police.