Hands off our number plates

Hands off our number plates

The EU should keep its hands off our vehicle number plates, says UKIP.

MEPs are to vote next week on a move which will give the EU powers to set a standard design for vehicle registration plates in all EU member states.

"There is nothing wrong with British registration plates and if there were it is up to our government to make any changes," said deputy leader Paul Nuttall.

"This is all part of the EU obsession with harmonisation, which they are determined to impose on everything."

“It is bound to mean including the dreadful blue and gold ring of stars EU symbol which many people already resent seeing plastered all over our country," said Mr Nuttall, North West MEP.

"The initial idea was to make it simpler for for people to register their vehicle in a different EU country but the parliament's Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee is now proposing equipping all vehicles in the member states with number plates in 'common colours'.

"This is exactly how the EU works, the Commission puts forward legislation which may seem relatively innocuous but then it is amended into something far more controlling and intrusive.

"It was only after a fight that the law was changed to allow motorists to display the Union Flag, Cross of St George, Scottish Saltire or Welsh dragon on their number plates but this could be overturned by these proposals.

"And some motorists have personalised number plates which I suspect would certainly be for the chop under this move.

"On a daily basis the EU comes up with more rules and regulations - and more reasons why we must leave," added Mr Nuttall.