HC Deb 09 February 2004 vol 417 cc1235-6W
Mr. Donohoe

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many drivers were victims of number plate fraud, and as a result had to re-register their vehicle, in(a) 2001, (b) 2002 and (c) 2003. [153218]

Mr. Jamieson

DVLA issues vehicles with replacement registration numbers for a variety of reasons. No separate figures are available for those replaced as a result of number plate fraud, but it is estimated that the problem is not widespread and that numbers are extremely low.

Mr. Donohoe

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on progress the Government are making in combating vehicle number plate fraud. [153219]

Mr. Jamieson

New measures have been introduced to prevent people from obtaining number plates to which they are not entitled. Since 1 January 2004, all suppliers of number plates have been required to register with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency and to keep records of sales. Purchasers are required to produce evidence of their identity as well as the vehicle registration document or suitable alternative.

We are now working on measures to make number plates more secure and to ensure that they can be clearly and visibly linked to the vehicle on which they are displayed. A consultation paper on number plate security was issued in 2003 and in the light of comments received from the industry, the police and the general public, a shortlist of proposals is being drawn up for further action.