Number Plates News

No Change For Irish Plates

26 August 2010

The Irish motor industry is calling for a change to the country's vehicle registration plate system. They claim that, at present, it is too easy to date a vehicle and this is reducing the 'shelf-life' of new cars.

At one time people scarcely cared what car they bought provided it boasted a new plate. But economic and sociological changes mean that whilst sales are concentrated around the three months following a new issue, many people are now wary of too obviously displaying the age of their vehicles.

According to Eddie Murphy, the managing director of Ford Ireland, "Our current system is easy to understand and is a big driver of sales. However, if there is a bad start to the year, it means that the State’s revenue will have no chance to recover, as sales in the second half are so low. It is a high-risk system.”

Mr Murphy also points to the back-log of National Car Tests (the equivalent of our 'MOT') because they relate strictly to the anniversary of the first registration date. This concern is shared by Applus, the private company responsible for conducting the annual examinations.

The government, however, is in no hurry to change the current arrangements, which have been in force for the past 23 years and the Garda are believed to favour the present ease of identification.