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Why can't I display a black and silver number plate on my classic 1960 scooter?
I have a Lambretta scooter in mint condition, which in 1960 spent its first six months with the North Riding Police and I found out it was based at Pickering and Goathland (Heartbeat Country) before I bought it. When I took it for an MoT recently I was informed that the original silver letters on a black background on the number plate were no longer legal and that I had to have a plastic one fitted. This modern one has black letters on a yellow background out of keeping with the bike. The garage man added "This new law is because the original ones cannot be recognised by speed cameras". I am upset that the heritage of this historic bike has been changed. Is this right? You still see lots of old cars bearing the original silver on black number plates.
Asked on 9 March 2013 by JH, via email
Answered by
Honest John
I hope you kept the old plates because what you were told is not true. Vehicles first registered before 1 January 1973 can still display "white, silver or light grey letters on black surface": Regulation 10 & Schedule 2 Road Vehicles (Display of Registration Marks) Regulations 2001, from Hughes Guide to Traffic Law For the Enforcement Officer.
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