Name your own plates soon for Singapore cars
By Christopher Tan, Senior Correspondent
ILUVROCK, BOND007 or even LIMTUATOW - these may be some of the
special number plates on cars here, perhaps later this year.
Also called personalised or vanity plates, they are a common sight
in many countries, including the US, Britain, Australia and
Denmark.
They could hit Singapore's streets as soon as this year, sources
told The Straits Times.
The Land Transport Authority said it is still working on details
and has not decided on the implementation date.
'This came out of the blue and seems to be in line with the
loosening of rules here,' an observer said.
In the meantime, said the LTA, it has been working with the motor
trade industry and others to make changes to its systems to allow
the use of personalised numbers on vehicles.
As in other countries where they are allowed, such plates are
likely to cost quite a bit.
In Hongkong, tycoon Albert Yeung paid HK$13 million (S$2.5 million)
for a simple '9', which in Cantonese connotes longevity. Other
popular plates there include HANDSOME, K1NG and 1 LOVE U.
The Straits Times understands the LTA is studying various pricing
options, but a flat fee is more likely than an auction
system.
Various agencies such as the Housing Board, the Urban Redevelopment
Authority and the Association of Hire Purchase are being informed
of the plan.
'Apparently, the computer system needs to be upgraded to
accommodate the changes,' said a spokesman for the Singapore
Vehicle Traders Association.
The new number plate may take up to 12 characters - compared with
the maximum eight now.
Motorists and dealers welcome the move.
Mr Glenn Tan, chief executive of Subaru agent MotorImage, said: 'It
is a great idea. When I was studying in the States, I had a
personalised number, TCH18. TCH are the initials for my Chinese
name, Tan Chun Hong.'
Plates with offensive or sensitive messages are unlikely to be
allowed. Five years ago, the LTA banned vowels in number plates in
what was seen as a pre-emptive move to prevent SEX on Singapore's
roads.
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