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[email protected] · June 12th 09, 08:01 PM posted to uk.transport.london

In article
,
(MIG) wrote:

On 12 June, 14:32, wrote:
In article
,
(MIG) wrote:
On 11 June, 23:42, wrote:
In article ,

(Paul Corfield) wrote:
A number of operators have retained RM registrations as
cherished plates. They are fitted to a range of buses
including Volvo double decks as well as bendy buses. *Gaps in
the numbers are explained above.

We had a number turn up in Cambridge on originally N-registered
double deckers for Park and Ride Services a few years ago. The
plates concealed that the "new" buses were older than the similar
spec P-reg vehicles already in the existing P&R fleet.

I can see how the old numbers could be of value to individuals, eg
the number for RM50 might be nice for the car given to Victor
Leonard Thompson on his 50th birthday or something. *I can't
really see the point of using them on other buses.

The point everyone here is missing is that the old RM plates referred
to have no year letters, thereby concealing the vehicle ages. They
are popular in the coach industry for that reason AIUI.

I don't think it was missed at all, and has been referred to. I
couldn't see why it would matter to a bus or coach operator to conceal
the age, since it would be concealed only from a casual observer, not
from a regulator or inspector. The "showing off your car" motivation
surely wouldn't apply?

TP suggested that maybe it helped with getting around recent
regulations, but only if combined with the original chassis plate.
That may be how it works, but I'd find it a bit surprising as a
loophole.

I doubt it applied to London buses. Just sentiment there, I suspect.

--
Colin Rosenstiel