DVLA trade plates advice

A question about : DVLA trade plates advice

Hello all
I am new to the site and was looking for advice on this matter.
I am a motor trader and was using a vehicle with valid trade plates displayed. For some reason it was picked up by a camera as 'untaxed'
The DVLA sent a letter asking for a fine, to which I replied explaining that the vehicle was using trade plates. They do not seem to have received my response and have now taken the matter to court. I have now written to them again but they have not yet responded.
My problem is that the court date is approaching and I am now not sure what to do.
Does anybody have any advise on this? Many thanks in advance

Best answers:

• Sounds like you'll have to repeat your defence to the court.
  Maybe next time put black tape across the number plate so it doesn't get picked up by ANPR?
• Have you asked to see the images to confirm that the trade plate is visible? That would seem to me to be a key part of your defence, and going to court without it could be difficult - if DVLA have refused to give it to you that's a different matter.
• You got proof of postage? If so, i'd take that along with proof of trade plate to court. Or even take the actual trade plate strapped to your chest
• I'd put money in you getting there, the prosecutor having a little chat to "help you" and scare you into paying up before you go in. Then if you go in, theyll present no evidence. On the for, theres a box asking if you Woul like the witnesses to attend. Tick this.
  Don't forget to get your costs.
• Hi trader67 you dont say what you are being fined for ?
• Did you have the cars number plates obscured? We were actually given friendly advice locally that it is easy pickings, due to the ANPRs for some areas to "forget" about the concept of trade plates, (cameras don't see them) and charge traders and see what they could make. It is now the norm to use cable ties to cover the front plate and use the cord on the back as the old, chucking the plates on the dash isn't worth the hassle.
• Interesting read sb, it looks like every area is having their own interpretation and one saying if you obscure the front plate you will be thought of as a bilker. Great.
• Many thanls for all your responses. I can acknowledge the car number plates were not obscured but does this invalidate the trade plates? Surely trade plates will exempt holders from Section 29 of the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act (1994)?
  They have given me the 'photographic evidence' which only shows the car number but not the trade plates as it was already dark.
  They have now responded to say the have received my letters and explanations but are still insisting on an out of court settlement of Ј97. They have given me until 17/04 to pay this
  I sent a 'not guilty' response to the court but there was no option for me to explain my defence. Does anybody know what should happen next
• Think the trade plates are meant to cover the number plates up these days?
• There is nothing in the guidance notes https://www.gov.uk/government/upload...01G_050814.pdf that says you have to cover up the normal numberplate.