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Football Fans cherished 'plate is offensive' say DVLA19-Jan-2025

Their number plate had been withdrawn as it is 'potentially offensive' and could be read as a racial slur.

 

A couple who have proudly displayed their love for their favourite football team through a personalised number plate for nearly three decades have been left stunned after the DVLA withdrew it due to its potential to be 'offensive'.

Jackie and John Cooke, hailing from Frampton Cotterell in North Bristol, acquired the registration number 'N14GAS' back in 1997 directly from the DVLA. They claim that this specific number was suggested to them by the DVLA staff.

As avid Bristol Rovers fans, the numbers represented 'Number one for the Gas', with 'the Gas' being the affectionate nickname of their beloved football team.

However, just before the festive season, the couple were taken aback when they received a letter from the DVLA stating that their cherished number plate had been withdrawn as it could potentially be interpreted as a racial slur. The letter, which has been viewed by BristolLive, states: "The vehicle registration number has been brought to our attention as being potentially offensive."

"By law, the Secretary of State can revoke the right to display a vehicle registration number, if it appears to him that there are special reasons for doing so. Given the potentially offensive nature of this vehicle registration number, a decision has been taken to withdraw it from use."

Jackie told BristolLive: "In 27 years, no one has ever complained about this registration number being offensive. In fact, we can’t see how it can possibly be offensive!

Full report:

Bristol Live

https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/bristol-rovers-fans-decades-old-9853447

 

The Mirror

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/couple-left-fuming-after-30-34473959

 

 

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