Give The Gift of Private Number Plates This Christmas

The festive season is just around the corner and here at ThePrivatePlateCo, we think that personalised number plates make great Christmas gifts. Are you considering buying one of your loved ones a private number plate for Christmas this year? If so, we'd like to offer you some advice. Buying a suitable private number plate can be quick and simple, but only if you know what you're doing. That's why we're devoting today's blog to helping you understand how to find high-quality, legitimate private number plates.

1. Know the law

All number plates have to conform to certain conventions. For example, their lettering can't be italicised or otherwise stylised. What's more, the first two digits of a number plate (representing the year the registration came into being) can't exceed the year that the car was manufactured. Obviously, all number plates also have to represent real DVLA registrations. On the 23rd of August, the DVLA also banned a number of specific plates that they believed might cause offence, thereby making it even harder to know which plates might be legal. Trying to memorise every single law surrounding number plates isn't advisable or necessary, however. You can ensure that you obey the law by buying yourpersonalised plates from a reputable dealer that only sells legal DVLA number plates.

2. Look for something distinctive and specific

For obvious reasons, there can only be one number plate with any specific registration. As a result, trying to find a number plate that features a particularly popular word or phrase may be tricky. Instead, we suggest searching for a number plate that includes a word or phrase that holds particular significance to the person you're buying it for…and nobody else. You're much more likely to find what you need in time for Christmas, and at a better price.

3. Be open to inspiration

You may not find the exact plate you want, regardless of how hard you search. But don't panic. If you're open to inspiration and new ideas, you'll see plenty of plates you could choose.

If you want to buy someone private number plates for Christmas, following the advice we've given in today's blog will make the process much simpler. We supply a huge number of plates across the UK, and we work closely with the DVLA for a quick turnaround time, so take a look through our selection today. In fact we also offer a Christmas Day transfer where we guarantee to have your registration transferred on Christmas Day.

SOURCE: https://www.theprivateplateco.co.uk/news/general/give-the-gift-of-private-number-plates-this-christmas.html

Three 2018 Sports Cars That Won't Break The Bank to Own

Modern car technology has advanced to a point where it is becoming more affordable than ever to own the sports car of your dreams. Many still consider a true sports car to come in above £100,000 and be limited to millionaires and not the everyday worker. However, times are changing and there are a number of reasonably priced sports cars that do everything that a more expensive one would. For some inspiration, here are three new 2018 sports cars that come in at under £40,000.

1. Lexus RC

The Lexus RC brings together many of the aesthetic elements we love in other Lexus cars. The model starts at just £33,500 and, depending on which one you purchase, can pack up to 311 horsepower with a 3.5-litre V6 engine. The interiors are stunning with a choice of Stratus, Playa, Flaxen, Gray, Black or Rioja Red interior coupled with wooden trim. Technology-wise, it has some of the best features Lexus offers, such as a new 10.3" standard navigation screen.

2. BMW 230i Xdrive

Compared to the 2017 model, BMW has given this car an impressive boost and for just £25,000 it's an absolute steal. To help make it feel like a true high-quality sports car it comes with four drive modes which are Comfort, Sport, Sport-Plus and Eco-Pro. Not only does it look fantastic both in and out, but it handles superbly as well. Beyond this, it's practical, coming in at around between 24 and 33 miles per gallon, and there's plenty of room for the kids and groceries if need be.

3. Audi A3 Cabriolet

Coming in at just £29,000, the Audi A3 Cabriolet is just as much of a bargain as the BMW and Lexus. Despite this cheap starting price, the interior of the car is expertly finished with great quality materials, heated front seats and aluminium accents throughout. You may be able to fit the kids in the back, but beyond that, this car is designed with speed and style in mind. It comes in either a two-door convertible or four-door saloon, making it a possible buy regardless of your circumstances.

The look of owning a sports car isn't truly complete without first purchasing your own private number plate. We have built a handy search tool that allows you to search for which plates are available for you to purchase today and fit to your brand new car. Just head to the top of this page and get started now.

SOURCE: https://www.theprivateplateco.co.uk/news/general/three-2018-sports-cars-that-wont-break-the-bank-to-own.html

Have You Considered a Private Number Plate for Your Motorcycle?

At The Private Plate Company, we have now sold over 200,000 cherished number plates and most of them have been for private cars. Sometimes they are for companies that have realised the extra brand recognition that the rightpersonalised car registrations can give them, but usually our customers are private individuals looking for a combination of initials and numbers that represent their name, or sometimes their car make or model.

But many drivers are coming to realise that they can find cheap private plates to suit motorcycles rather than cars. Why is this?

It's all down to the names

Some motorcycle brands use names, such as, for example, Triumph's Bonneville, Trophy or Tiger, or Harley Davidson's Sportster, Softail and so on. You might well be able to find registrations that suit those names, but you'd be competing with all the people looking for private number plates that create words.

However, the vast majority of motorcycles, particularly Japanese bikes, are known by acronyms. This is because Japanese law prevents manufacturers from using any word that could be construed as aggressive or encouraging speed or danger. Hence names like the Datsun Fairlady (240Z) or Bluebird. When it comes to motorcycles, even the Kawasaki Ninja can't be called that in its native country.

Rare combinations

That's why we have model names like Suzuki's GSX and GSR ranges, The Kawasaki ZXR and ZZR, Honda's CBR and CBX and the Yamaha FZR and TDM, to name just a few. Many of these combinations don't occur naturally in our language and are rarely used in people's initials, so motorcycle owners won't be competing for the same personalised number plates as car owners.

There are also far fewer motorcycles than cars on the roads, so when it comes to private plates, UK motorcycle owners have a far better chance of picking up DVLA number plates that suit them, at a keener price.

Look for your cheap private plate

If you have a motorcycle and want to set yourself apart from the crowd, why not have a quick search through thethousands of private car registrations we have on offer and bag yourself a plate that the car owners won't be looking for?

SOURCE: https://www.theprivateplateco.co.uk/news/general/have-you-considered-a-private-number-plate-for-your-motorcycle.html

How Close are Driverless Cars?

Talk of driverless cars is increasingly common. A number of major automotive manufacturers are believed to be testing autonomous vehicles, and they are a common sight on roads around the Silicon Valley.

On paper (or computer data) this seems the next logical step. After all, thanks to IoT, onboard sensors, GPS, cameras and technological geniuses, cars can now complete all sorts of manoeuvres independently of their driver.

So why shouldn't we all get in line for connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs) to take us around with no effort required?

The driverless car skeptics

There are many people who believe this would be a step too far.

After all, for all the talk of Artificial Intelligence, there are no computer programmes yet to cope with the vagaries of human life.

The theory is that the driverless car's AI system would assimilate data over time – with testing - much as a driver takes in experience and grows their knowledge.

However, at what point is a driverless car going to be able to anticipate the erratic behaviour of pedestrians or cyclists, for example? Or the actions of that driver who cuts you up, to exit a motorway?

It seems far fetched that CAV cars could store the amount of data it takes to deal with the many every day traffic situations that rely on human instinct and intuition.

Data to replace drivers

Also, there is concern that automation requires a level of data that transcends what is acceptable to store and share. There are ethical, privacy and security fears about the amount of information needed to help machines to replicate human interaction.

The British love their cars

Most importantly, getting behind the wheel of your vehicle and being the one in control is central to car ownership in the first place.

The nation's passion for personalised number plates perfectly illustrates the connection they have with their cars, and the way it reflects their own personalities and preferences.

The applications of autonomous cars, therefore, could well become limited to such things as driverless deliveries or road measurement and maintenance projects.

Whatever the future holds, if you love your car, get in touch today to find personalised numberplates to show the world you are proud to be behind the wheel.

SOURCE: https://www.theprivateplateco.co.uk/news/general/how-close-are-driverless-cars.html

Looking to Buy a '67 Plate? We Take a Look at Some of the Latest Models.

Aston Martin

Aston Martin last introduced a new car in 2012, when they launched the highly regarded Vanquis. This year saw the release of the DB11, a luxury sports car with a powerful 5.2-litre engine.

Audi

The latest Audi on the market is the RS3, which is available as a saloon or hatchback. As the range expands, Audi have also introduced the sporty SQ5, the RS5 and the latest A8. The A8 is highly regarded thanks to its groundbreaking technology which is setting new standards for autonomous driving.

BMW

The latest X3 SUV is hitting the showrooms, as the 3rd generation model it has been long anticipated. BMW have positioned the new X3 to be competitively priced than the older models, so will be a very popular mid-sized SUV.

Ford

The biggest news for Ford is the release of the 7th generation Fiesta. The range is to include some luxury designs such as the ST and the Vignale. The newest Fiesta is the most competitive and feature-packed supermini which Ford has ever manufactured.

Jaguar

The highly anticipated E-PACE from Jaguar is the most exciting news from the luxury car brand this year. The compact SUV is designed around the Range Rover Evoque and is predicted to become the largest seller for the brand.

Renault

The latest from a line of new models released in 2017 are the brand's SUV models which include the Captur, Koleos and the Kadjar. The Captur SUV is predicted to be the most popular of the SUV range, thanks to its compact design.

Skoda

2017 sees the launch of two SUVs, the Karow and the Kodiaq. The rest of the Skoda models have also been heavily revised with facelifts, updates and new engines.

If you are thinking of purchasing a new car and would like to install private number plates or move your plates across from your old car, we can help. As our offices are close to the DVLA head office in Swansea, we are able to provide a quicker turnaround than most personalised plates businesses. If you would like more information please contact us.

SOURCE: https://www.theprivateplateco.co.uk/news/general/looking-to-buy-a-67-plate-we-take-a-look-at-some-of-the-latest-models.html

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