Paul Bradford
Ceist:64 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for Finance if he will allow the introduction of personalised vehicle number plates. [7516/97]
Written Answers - Personalised Vehicle Number Plates.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners, who are responsible for the registration of all vehicles in the State, that personalised number plates are not permitted under existing regulations. The specified format of registration plates includes the lettering, numbering, dimensions and technical specifications. A transparent and consistent numbering system is essential for control purposes. The introduction of personalised number plates would undermine the essential features of the existing system and would have serious implications for control. It would in fact necessitate a complete overhaul of the system. For the reasons outlined it is not intended to introduce personalised number plates. Members of the public may, however, reserve a particular number in the normal registration sequence on payment of a fee of £250. This system is operated on a first come first served basis.