A married couple had their personalised number plate ‘rescinded’ by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) amidst concerns that it could be offensive. Jackie and John Cooke, from North Bristol, acquired the plate almost 30 years ago before it was allegedly banned on the grounds of ‘political, racial or religious sensitivities’.
The controversial plate read ‘N14 GAS’, symbolising ‘Number one for the Gas’, which is a nod to their favourite football team, Bristol Rovers. While the DVLA reportedly believes it could be mistaken for a racial slur, the couple ‘can’t see how it can possibly be offensive’ and even claim the concept initially came from DVLA staff.
Speaking to BristolLive, Jackie said: “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!
“I have asked the DVLA to explain why it is offensive, but as yet haven’t received a reply. The DVLA removed ‘N14GAS’ from the GOV website on Dec 4, before informing my husband, who is the registered keeper, so that must be an offence in itself.
Bristol Rovers fans Jackie and John Cooke have had this number plate since 1997 – it symbolises ‘Number one for the Gas’, the Gas being the football club’s nickname
(Image: Jackie and John Cooke)
“Our car registration was changed back to the original registration number, which we were totally unaware of, as the letter from the DVLA only arrived late in the day on Dec 7.” The letter, seen by BristolLive, outlines that a new number plate should be fitted as soon as possible, given the ‘potentially offensive nature’ of ‘N14 GAS’.
“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,” it adds. “Given the potentially offensive nature of this vehicle registration number, a decision has been taken to withdraw it from use.
“…Before a new range of registration numbers are issued or are made available under the Personalised Registration scheme, DVLA tries to identify combinations that may cause offence.
“On occasions where the Agency is made aware that a potentially offensive registration number has been released in error, steps are immediately taken to withdraw it. I realise that the decision to withdraw this registration number will be disappointing to you.
John and Jackie were left stunned when the DVLA told them they could pick a new registration plate worth £250 (stock image)
(Image: Getty Images/Maskot)
“However, the Agency adopts a clear policy of withdrawing potentially offensive registration numbers either from normal issue or from its sales scheme. Such marks are withdrawn if they are likely to cause offence or embarrassment to the general population in this country on the grounds of political, racial and religious sensitivities, or simply because they are in poor taste.”
John and Jackie were left stunned when the DVLA told them they could pick a new registration plate worth £250, the amount they forked out in 1997. Jackie added: “We still have the receipt, no mention is made of inflation. We are incensed that we are to lose our treasured car registration and it is seriously affecting our mental health.”
The pair were later given the option of choosing the alternative plate ‘JJ64GAS’, which they accepted on a temporary basis while holding out hope for the return of their original number.
Upon contacting her local MP recently, Jackie added that her MP told her that the registration number could be misconstrued as a certain offensive word. BristolLive has contacted the DVLA for comment on this matter.