DVLA Responds After Cancelling Couple’s ‘Offensive’ Personalized Plate
The DVLA has withdrawn a couple’s cherished number plate, citing potential offensiveness, leaving them frustrated and seeking answers.
Bristol, UK, DVLA, Personalized Number Plate, Jackie Cooke, John Cooke, Bristol Rovers
Bristol: So, here’s the scoop. The DVLA just pulled a personalized number plate from a couple who are big Bristol Rovers fans. Jackie and John Cooke have had their plate, ‘N14 GAS’, since 1997. They got it because it stands for ‘Number one for the Gas’, which is a nod to their favorite football team.
But right before Christmas, they got a letter saying the plate was offensive. Apparently, it could be seen as a racial slur. The DVLA explained that they regularly check plates and take down any that might offend people. They said sometimes a plate slips through the cracks, but they act quickly to fix it.
Jackie was pretty upset. She mentioned that in all the years they’ve had the plate, no one ever complained. The DVLA had already removed it from their website before they even told John, who’s the registered keeper. They were totally in the dark about it.
In the letter, the DVLA said they have a clear policy on this. If a plate is likely to offend anyone, it gets pulled. They offered the couple a new plate worth up to £250, which is what they paid back in the day. But Jackie pointed out that they still have the receipt and inflation wasn’t considered.
Feeling frustrated, Jackie said losing their beloved plate is really affecting their mental health. They did get another letter later, suggesting a new plate, ‘JJ64GAS’, which they decided to take. But they’re still hoping to get their original plate back.