Bristol Rovers Fans Told Their Personalised Plate Is ‘Offensive’ by DVLA
A couple’s cherished number plate, linked to their football team, faces withdrawal due to claims of being offensive
Bristol, UK, Bristol Rovers, DVLA, Personalised Number Plate
Bristol: A couple in North Bristol is facing a real headache over their personalised number plate. Jackie and John Cooke have proudly displayed ‘N14GAS’ for nearly 30 years, showing their love for the Bristol Rovers. But now, the DVLA has decided it’s ‘potentially offensive’ and has pulled the plate.
They bought the plate back in 1997, and it was even recommended by DVLA staff. For them, it’s all about being number one for the Gas, which is the team’s nickname. But just before Christmas, they got a letter saying the plate was withdrawn because it could be interpreted as a racial slur. Talk about a shock!
Jackie was baffled. She said, “In 27 years, no one has ever complained about this registration number being offensive. We can’t see how it can possibly be offensive!” She’s been trying to get an explanation from the DVLA but hasn’t heard back yet.
To make matters worse, they found out their car registration was changed back to the original number without any heads-up. The DVLA’s letter also mentioned they need to inform their insurance about the change and get a new plate made. It’s a lot to deal with!
The DVLA explained that they try to catch potentially offensive combinations before they’re issued. If they find one that slipped through, they act quickly to withdraw it. They told the couple they could pick a new registration worth £250, the same amount they paid back in the day. Jackie was not happy about that, saying it doesn’t account for inflation.
Now, they’ve been given a temporary plate, ‘JJ64GAS’, while they hope to get their original back. Jackie even reached out to her local MP, who mentioned that the number could be misread as something offensive. It’s a frustrating situation for them, and they just want their cherished plate back.