MASTERDRIVE Contract Hire and Leasing, long-time campaigner for a change in the vehicle registration system, has this week backed proposed changes claiming they are essential, in spite of fears expressed within the fleet industry.

The Government has issued a consultation document on proposals to end the present annual August 1 plate change and Masterdrive says the long-term interests of the fleet industry would be best served by a system which avoids the current annual stampede and spreads the purchasing incentive more evenly.

A number of alternatives to the present system have been highlighted by the Department of Transport in the consultation document including the quarterly change promoted by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Retail Motor Industry Federation.