The European parliament is to vote on whether to replace the traditional British number plate with a standardised EU design.
If successful, Brussels would be given power to set a standard number plate that would be used on vehicles across all EU member states.
Brits would also see the blue and gold wreath of stars of the EU adorn their car’s reg plate, while it is possible that personalised number plates could be banned.
The plans have been brought about in an attempt to reduce fraud and other vehicle related crimes across the continent.
“British motorists want British number plates – not European ones. Conservative MEPs will be fighting this idiotic plan all the way.” – Euro MP Syed Kamall
However, they have come in for criticism from some Euro MPs. Syed Kamall, leader of the Conservatives in the European Parliament, said: “This was meant to be a useful piece of law to make it simpler for people to register their vehicle in a different EU country,” reported The Express.
“Instead the Dutch Liberal Democrat MEP working on the legislation has introduced completely unnecessary clauses seeking a common design for all European number plates and a common system of identification tags.
“You can bet your life the common design would incorporate the EU flag.
“British motorists want British number plates – not European ones. Conservative MEPs will be fighting this idiotic plan all the way.”
The European Commission stated that the proposals were drawn up in order to reduce the time and cost involved in registering vehicles in international trades, and that initially, the plans did not involve introducing a universal number plate.
An EU spokeswoman told The Express: “The aim of the commission’s plans is to reduce red tape by making it easier, quicker and cheaper for people and companies to re-register their vehicles when moving them across EU borders.”
A vote on the matter is due to take place next week.
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