The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, Retail Motor Industry Federation and the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association have published a joint reply to the Department of Transport's consultation paper on the issue published last December. The consultation period has now ended. The three organisations all support an age-based identifier which would change on a six-monthly basis in March and September - commencing next March.

Labour shadow ministers have been kept informed of the industry's views and shadow Transport Secretary Andrew Smith has said that a future Labour Government would act on the outcome of the consultation process. Meanwhile, the Association of Car Fleet Operators has prepared a separate submission outlining its members' views on the issue. ACFO is advocating a yearly plate change, but with the timing switched to either January or April to coincide with the calendar or financial years respectively.

A DoT spokesman said the new Government would be briefed on the submissions once in office and would be responsible for deciding whether further action should be taken on the issue.