MOTORISTS in West Devon will be able to display a Union flag emblem on their car number plates after a successful campaign by a South West Euro MP.
Until now it has only been legal to display the EU 'ring of stars' and some motorists who have displayed a Union flag instead had been fined.
But following a campaign by MEP Roger Knapman, of the UK Independence Party, motorists will now be able to display the Union flag on car number plates after the Government has agreed to legalise the display of national flags. These also include the St George's Cross, the Scottish Saltire and the Welsh Dragon.
In a letter to Mr Knapman, Transport minister Jim Fitzpatrick said: 'I am pleased to be able to inform you that work is now underway to amend regulations to allow for the display of national flags and symbols on number plates.'
According to Mr Knapman, in the meantime the Minister says police will be asked to take a 'relaxed approach to this issue'.
Mr Knapman, who lives in West Devon, raised the issue earlier this year after being contacted by a constituent who was given an on-the-spot fine after a policeman saw a Union flag on his number plate. The motorist thought it was quite legal to cover up the EU symbol with Britain's national flag. But the 2001 law that introduced these number plates allowed only use of the EU symbol.
Mr Knapman said: 'I am delighted the Government has seen sense and has accepted my argument. It seemed quite daft that the EU symbol should be allowed but our own national symbols were illegal. Now motorists have been given a free choice and will be able to exercise it without fear of prosecution.'