Private plates divide opinion

Research by OSV Ltd has revealed that personalised number plates are no longer considered an essential status symbol, with 68% of Brits describing them as tacky.

However, despite the majority of Brits holding this opinion, it would seem that UK drivers are still enthusiastic to show off their wealth by buying a personalised number plate.

The DVLA claims that almost 335,000 registrations were sold in the last year – more than four times the figure in the mid-nineties.

But, according to those quizzed in the survey, the fact that they are ‘now so common’ is the leading reason why they are no longer considered impressive.

Co-Founder of OSV Ltd, Debbie Kirkley explained, ‘While once considered the essential status symbol or a way to express individuality – private registration plates are now seen as a tacky purchase.’

‘In our most recent survey, only 32% of Britons described the owners of private number plates as impressive. This shows that symbols of success have changed since the DVLA started selling them in the late eighties.’

The study of over 1,000 UK residents discovered that those aged between 35-44 were the least impressed by personalised number plates, with only 17% describing their owners as impressive. Those aged 18-25 were the most impressed, with 43% describing owners as impressive.

The Welsh were most opposed to private number plates, with more than three quarters stating that they were tacky. The Scots were most fond of the personalised number plate, with 42% labelling them impressive.