Out of all the people who complained about the law of having a national flag on their number plates, it was the welsh drivers who were more vocal about it. Now their wish is about to become a reality as the number plate rules are relaxed.
The announcement is good news for the Plaid Cymru AM Janet Ryder, who says that this would be the last year that the welsh flag on a number plate would be deemed to be illegal.
Mrs Ryder said: “This will mean that thousands of Welsh motorists who have voted with their feet on this matter and put on Welsh flags can now do so and stay on the right side of the law.”
Mrs Ryder added: “I’m determined to keep the pressure up to make sure that the London Labour government keeps to its promise.
“It will mean that this St David’s Day is the last one when Welsh motorists will fly the flag illegally on their number plates.
“If the UK Government goes back on that promise, I will have no hesitation in pushing forward with the Legislative Competence Order to give the Assembly the powers to decide on this matter.”
One driver who was stopped the police had this to say, Ken Thomas said, “Why am I allowed to put the European stars on it, but not the dragon? It’s not doing any harm.
“A lot of people I spoke to said they won’t take the dragon off their number plate regardless of the law and I agree with them – it’s our culture.
“I will go to court if needs be. They can send me to prison if they want but as soon as I get out I will just put another dragon on my number plate.”
By the end of April, having a national flag will no longer be illegal and it has to be said that it is doubtful that not many people will be stopped from now on over number plates with flags on, although you never know.
A spokesperson for the RAC foundation added: “The car is often a symbol of pride for the owner and very much their own personal space.
“If they want to express their identity in a safe and legal manner, such as by displaying their national flag on the number plate, then this should be welcomed.”
Source [Wales Online]
