DVLA ban 'naughty number plates'

P10NKERS at the DVLA have caused out-reg by banning so-called "naughty" new number plates.

The latest 59 and 10 car registration numbers look like the letters SP and LO - opening up a whole new range of personalised ones considered X-rated by spoilsport officials.

Among the seemingly-innocent sequences censored by the DVLA plate police are 59ANK (spank), 59ERM (sperm) and 59EED (speed).

They've also banned terrorism-related numbers, which now feature the likes of B10 GAS (bio gas), B10 WAR (bio war) and B10W UP (blow up).

Other rude plates upsetting officials were FE10N (felon) and B010 CKS (work it out for yourself). Even Del Boy's favourite saying P10NKA (plonker) has fallen victim of the censors.

The DVLA has a special committee called the Propriety Group that meets regularly to discuss which number plate combos should not be on the road. A spokesman said: "We have a responsibility to ensure registration combinations don't cause offence."

But last night motoring groups labelled the bans over the top. The Association of British Motorists said: "If they were really offensive words you'd understand it but I don't really see any reason for it."

The 59 car plate was introduced in September while the 10 will come into effect next March.

In the past the DVLA have banned O5 4MA (Osama), MA56ACA (massacre) HE58OLA (Hezbollah) - and even BO04 ZYY (boozy) to discourage drink driving.

• Banger out of order

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