THE proposed switch to twice-yearly registration plate changes could create more problems for the motor industry, according to the latest Lex Report. The authors predict potential for 'twin peaks' of a similar scale to the current August rush as car-buyers delay ordering new cars to coincide with the new registration letter.

The report found more than a quarter of drivers who have bought a new car in the last two years were likely to buy their next car in either March (16%) or September (13%) - compared to the 17% who generally buy their new cars in August. Research shows that the two new peaks could add up to more than the current peaks, suggesting a greater concentration of sales into peak months. More than a quarter of company car drivers and one in six private car drivers admit to specifically delaying purchase of their new cars to benefit from the new registration letter.

Lex Service chairman Sir Trevor Chinn said: 'The problems caused by August and the new registration plate are well documented, but even changing the system to a new plate change in both March and September does not look as though it will solve the problem totally.'