The DVLA has released a statement following its decision to revoke a customised number plate owned by a West Country couple, Jackie and John Cooke, who are Bristol Rovers fans, for nearly three decades. The couple, from North Bristol, had bought the ‘N14 GAS’ registration in 1997 upon the recommendation of DVLA staff, with the numbers signifying ‘Number one for the Gas’, a nod to their favourite football team’s nickname.
However, shortly before Christmas, they received a letter from the DVLA stating that the plate had been withdrawn due to its potential offensiveness, as it could be misinterpreted as a racial slur. The DVLA has since clarified its stance, stating: “DVLA regularly reviews the appropriateness of registration numbers and withholds any numbers that may cause offence, embarrassment or are in poor taste.”
“On the rare occasion where potentially offensive numbers slip through the net, steps are taken to withdraw the registration number.”
According to the DVLA’s policy on customised plates, if a registration is deemed offensive while on display, it may be withdrawn from use, reports Bristol Live.
Bristol Rovers fans Jackie and John Cooke have had this number plate since 1997 – it symbolises ‘Number one for the Gas’, the Gas being the football club’s nickname
(Image: Jackie and John Cooke)
However, due to the process, there may be a brief period between the record being updated and the letter informing the keeper of the change arriving at their address.
Jackie Cooke told BristolLive: “In 27 years, no one has ever complained about this registration number being offensive. The DVLA removed ‘N14GAS’ from the GOV website on Dec 4, before informing my husband, who is the registered keeper.
“Our car registration was changed back to the original registration number, which we were totally unaware of, as the letter from the DVLA only arrived late in the day on Dec 7.”
In a letter received by the couple, it stated: “The Agency adopts a clear policy of withdrawing potentially offensive registration numbers either from normal issue or from its sales scheme. Such marks are withdrawn if they are likely to cause offence or embarrassment to the general population in this country on the grounds of political, racial and religious sensitivities, or simply because they are in poor taste.”
The DVLA informed John and Jackie that they could choose another registration up to the value of £250, the amount they paid in 1997.
Jackie added: “We still have the receipt, no mention is made of inflation. We are incensed that we are to lose our treasured car registration and it is seriously affecting our mental health.”
Jackie and John subsequently received another letter, dated December 17, outlining an alternative number plate registration ‘JJ64GAS’, which the couple have opted for. They continue to hope that this will be a temporary solution and their original number plate can be reinstated.
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