MOTORISTS are being urged to make sure their number plates are legible and legal.

Every police officer in South Wales Police is being encouraged to look out for illegal number plates as part of a major new clampdown.

Action will also be taken against drivers who have been creative with their plates – such as using non-standard symbols or fonts or rearranging and altering letters and numbers to spell out words.

Motorists whose number plates are dirty or damaged will also be dealt with.

Officers will be issuing £30 fixed penalty notices and in most extreme cases a motorist can be summoned to court where they can face a £1,000 fine.

The DVLA can also withdraw the registration mark with no compensation to the motorist.

Inspector Carwyn Evans, of the South Wales roads policing unit, said: “Last year well over 300 fixed penalty notices were issued for number plate offences across South Wales.

“Officers always take action against illegal number plates but we will be making a concerted effort,” he said.

“Owners should also be aware that if their vehicle has a number plate that is difficult to read, and it is stolen then it makes locating that vehicle more difficult.

“I would urge everyone to get their number plates in order as we will be out looking for illegal and illegible number plates,” said the police officer.

“This might involve purchasing replacement number plates at a car accessory shop – a lot cheaper than a fixed penalty notice.

Anyone concerned about the legality of their number plates should visit their nearest police station or visit the DVLA website at www.DVLA.gov.uk

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