Uber Battle: For or Against?

A battle royal is brewing between Uber and London authorities after the transport and technology company was told its licence in the capital would not be renewed.

Uber has lodged an appeal against the decision, not least as the repercussions extend well beyond being banned from operating cars in London. It could also create a ripple effect of distrust that impacts on Uber's growth worldwide.

The move could also put up to 40,000 drivers out of work in London. The technology giant has helped many people to generate part time or full time income using their household vehicles, which has been a lifeline for many of them in a difficult economy.

Becoming a registered black cab driver is difficult and involves registering with the DVLA and your local transport authority. It can also be costly, and in the capital involves proving you have the 'London Knowledge'.

Uber's fate is dividing the nation

There is a groundswell of opinion that Transport for London is limiting consumer choice by denying them a new licence. Uber has over 3.5m users in London, and, within days of the announcement, there were 500,000 signatures on a petition demanding the decision be overturned.

However, Transport for London announced it would not renew Uber's operating licence as it is "not 'fit and proper'", citing Uber's "lack of corporate responsibility in relation to a number of issues which have potential public safety and security implications".

Uber – which uses an app to connect private car drivers to customers – has already faced criticism for adding to congestion in London and putting established taxi firms out of business. The San Francisco based company brought its smartphone GPS-based technology to London in 2012 and it is seen as an important territory.

There are also questions being raised in other countries, and government investigations are underway, due to alleged improprieties. Uber will still be able to operate its cars in London during the appeal process, which could take months.

Do you use your car for commercial purposes, or simply take pride in its appearance? Get in touch with us to explore options for cheap private plates that show you are proud to be a driver, Uber or not.

SOURCE: https://www.theprivateplateco.co.uk/news/general/uber-battle-for-or-against.html

The Three Laws That Private Plate Buyers Should Know

Private number plates are a fantastic way to personalise your vehicle and display your unique style or sense of humour. However, if you're thinking of buying a private number plate for the first time, you need to know about some important rules and regulations. Here at ThePrivatePlateCo, we're passionate about helping drivers understand the laws surrounding personalised number plates. After all, we want you to be able to choose and buy plates with confidence. To help you, we've created a list of the most important number plate rules and how you can avoid breaking them.

1. Avoid fanciful fonts and distracting decorations

All legal number plates use a standardised font and colour scheme. This ensures that speed cameras and other automated security cameras can read them. Non-standard fonts and decorations that might obscure the actual registration are not permitted. Reputable dealers won't sell number plates with non-standard fonts or illegal decorations. That's why it's always safest to buy from a trustworthy supplier like us.

2. Don't lie about the age of your vehicle

Number plates normally indicate the year that a car was manufactured. It's perfectly legal to put older plates on a newer car. However, you can't put new plates on an old car, as this could mislead potential buyers and other interested parties into thinking that your car is newer than it is. Always make sure you buy number plates that are as old (or older) than your car.

3. There's no need for rudeness

Certain registrations look like swearwords or epithets when displayed on number plates. These registrations are banned for reasons of basic decency and should not be used on any vehicle. Registration plates that contain religious phrases or references are also banned in order to avoid conflict and controversy. Reputable suppliers shouldn't sell plates that could cause offence. When in doubt, however, it's always best to avoid a number plate that you think might be controversial.

If you need any more advice about the laws surrounding private number plates, feel free to contact us. Alternatively, you could check out our extensive range of plates immediately. You don't have to worry about number plate laws when you buy from us: all the DLVA number plates that we sell are legal and can be displayed on most cars.

SOURCE: https://www.theprivateplateco.co.uk/news/general/the-three-laws-that-private-plate-buyers-should-know.html

Personalised Number Plates and How to Find Them

Whether it is because of business, vanity, or just for a bit of fun, acquiring a private number plate is an excellent way to put a unique stamp on your vehicle. 

The world as a whole is witnessing an influx in the number of individuals requesting

personalised car registration numbers. Twenty-five years back, a number plate that spelled out a name or phrase was brushed off as sheer coincidence and luck. Today, personalised number plates are now company brands and marketing strategies.

There is inadequate information available about how an individual should go about purchasing a private number plate. Most information out there is insufficient, consequently discouraging those earnestly looking forward to acquiring pirate number plates.

This blog will provide information on the first step of obtaining a private number plate, which is knowing where to look for them.

From the DVLA

The first step you should embark on is to contact the DVLA. The DVLA has an online search tool that searches a user's query, or rather searches terms against a vast repository of available plates. The output returns plate numbers that match or almost match the search criteria of the user.

The DVLA also holds a series of auctions through which plates can be purchased. These auctions are either physical auctions, where an individual bids in person or via phone, or timed auctions. Timed auctions occur online and use online bidding systems. A user submits a maximum bid limit, and the system then automatically bids for them until the limit. Whoever's bid is highest will win the plate.

Privately buying plates

Car magazines and newspapers may contain classified advertisements on private registration numbers that you may not find the DVLA website. If you are looking for unique plates that may have some historical value, looking out for such adverts in motor magazines is a good place to start.

From a broker

Many companies also have a repository of available private number plates. If multiple attempts to locate your desired plate number from the DVLA database and motor magazines fails, contacting a broker is the best option. There are a wide range of broker companies to contact in the search for your perfect plate. The great thing about buying though these middle men is that for a minimal fee, all the paper work that would otherwise inundate you is taken care of. Furthermore, brokers commit to meeting your needs, so these companies will go to great lengths to guarantee you receive the personalised number plate you want.

SOURCE: www.theprivateplateco.co.uk/news/general/personalised-number-plates-and-how-to-find-them.html

The Banned List of 67 Plates Makes For Fun Reading.

As usual, the DVLA has got together at one of its biannual meetings, and come up with a list of banned plates that might sound offensive or overly saucy when it comes to making words out of the license. Such gems for the new 67 plates as 'BA67 ARD', 'OR67 ASM' and 'DO67 SHT' show just how far some people might go for a chuckle with their new vehicle, or how some oblivious punter might get laughed down the high street as they pass by.

Quite what happens when we get to the 69 series, which becomes available in September 2019, or the 33 series in 2033, who knows. Will buyers flock to Shrewsbury where they can pick up plates with a DO prefix? Or Manchester for an MO prefix? The DVLA do go out of their way to make it pretty hard to come up with obvious wordage, but that won't stop some people desperate for a pun-laden plate.

Of course, all of this can be avoided by picking up a personalised plate from ThePrivatePlateCo. Located near the DVLA in Swansea, we have tens of thousands of satisfied customers with our average 7-day turnaround. It's still important to remember, however, that the DVLA can always refuse plates they consider offensive or distracting, so do think carefully about what you want or choose from our wide list.

These is plenty of room for creativity when it comes to choosing a personalised plate. Most buyers will look for something more personal and positive, rather than trying to offend. If someone does take offence at an existing plate it could be rescinded by the DVLA, even if it is pretty obscure, used as a code, or only rude when viewed in a mirror.

Most truncations of names like "ANG" or "JEF" are available from around £150, while career-based plates such as "747" or "DOC" can be had for a little more. If you're into nature then we have plenty of low-cost 'OWL' plates, while "BA66 GER" can be yours for £1,499. Whether for yourself or a family member, a personal plate makes any car that little bit more special.

SOURCE: https://www.theprivateplateco.co.uk/news/general/the-banned-list-of-67-plates-makes-for-fun-reading.html

Scrappage Scheme Buyers Can Make That New Ford Stand Out.

Ford has announced a new scrappage scheme allowance for buyers of new cars when you trade in your old diesel or petrol engine model of any make if they are over seven years old. Already the most popular make of car in the country, expect sales to boom, with savings of up to £2,000 to £4,950, or £7,000 available for those buying a new Ford van.

It runs until the end of the year, so if you aren't quite ready to part with your old car yet, you have time, and we can also expect other marques to reveal similar schemes. BMW and Mercedes already have one if you are looking at the higher end of the car market, but they are only accepting diesel models to try and improve air quality as they focus on a greener future. Here's a list of the available models and their savings:

Model Series Car Scrappage Saving including VAT

All New Fiesta (excl. Style) £2,000

B-MAX Titanium, Titanium X £3,500

B-MAX Titanium Navigator, £3,200

Titanium X Navigator £3,200

Focus Zetec Edition, ST-Line £4,450

Focus Titanium, Titanium X £4,950

C-MAX & Grand C-MAX Zetec £4,000

C-MAX & Grand C-MAX Titanium £4,500

C-MAX & Grand C-MAX Titanium X £4,500

New Kuga All £3,000

With the old cars being taken off the road and scrapped, the scheme can help contribute to a better environment. While the main aim is to help reduce air pollution and put more efficient new Ford models on the road, it does mean that we could all be drowning in a jam of Fiestas, Focus and Kuga models, as long as the original price is £12,000 or higher. So what better way to set your new Ford apart than with a cherished custom plate?

We can provide a fast service for your custom plate, helping you find a personalised number plate that will make your car distinctive. Plus, we have an excellent reputation with the DVLA, so your new plate will usually arrive within 10 days. Custom plates can be formed to contain names, abbreviations, dates of birth, references to pets and many other quirky ideas. Check out our plate finder or our list of DVLA Auction plates to discover something unique and appropriate for your car.

SOURCE: https://www.theprivateplateco.co.uk/news/general/scrappage-scheme-buyers-can-make-that-new-ford-stand-out.html