DVLA forces Auto Trader to change its iPhone app

Auto Trader has been forced to remove a key feature from its iPhone app, just two weeks after it was released.

The DVLA has a problem with the image recognition element of the app, which allows users to take a photo of car number plates and get results from dealers selling that make and model.

The DVLA says that this feature conflicts with its ethical code, as it allows users to capture images of vehicle registration plates, even though cameras and most mobile phones are capable of doing the same thing.

"The application draws only on publically available information and does not release owner details or information on where a vehicle is registered. However, we take consumer security extremely seriously and so have happily agreed to comply with the DVLA's request. As a result, from the 30th March, the 'snap' function will be removed from the app." Said the Auto Trader.

It's a puzzling move as the app provides no information other than the make and model of the car photographed, and since there are plenty of other mobile services which use number plate information, such as the vehicle text check services which are commonly advertised.

It robs the app and its users of a valuable function, one which worked well and that also provided an added 'wow factor' for the app, though perhaps, if the image is the problem, Auto Trader can replace this with the option to type in plate numbers to achieve the same result. On the face of it, this seems to be an odd decision on the part of the DVLA.




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60 number plates on sale now

The 60 series of registrations can now be bought from DVLA Registrations in readiness for when they can legally be used on our roads on September 1, 2010.

The new 60 series opens up a great deal of personalised number plates like BA60OON, AS60 ---, CY60RGS, etc.

Prospective buyers have been able to sift through the millions of combinations available through DVLA Personalised Registrations website for the past month.

More good news for those interested is DVLA Personalised Registrations' is that the 'open sale' period also ensures that every new style combination is available for the month of June, with the exception of those plates destined for auction.



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Number plate SOLO ACT for just 2850 pounds!

A retired car dealer has shown how he has gone it alone in the world of business by placing the winning bid on the DVLA Personalised Registration, SO10 ACT.

Kane Ronald bought the private plates to show people how he fought back the critics to become one of Hampshire's most prolific car salesman.

"I've gone it alone all my life and so I thought this registration was a great way of telling people my story." Said the 67 year old from Lyndhurst.

Kane's story is a real rags to riches tale, he started his working life as a humble car salesman but worked tirelessly to eventually own his successful business.

He added. "People always told me to settle down and stop dreaming about the big time. But I refused to listen and worked hard for the finer things in life. You should never give up on your dreams no matter how many people tell you otherwise."

Ronald walked away from the Whittlebury Hall auction with a smile after buying the personalised registration for just 2,850 pounds.



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