Battle of the bands predicted as GIG number plates are released.

PRLog (Press Release) – Mar 27, 2008 – The DVLNI (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Northern Ireland) have released a new series of number plates. The GIG plates (which can be followed by up to 4 numbers) are set to attract interest from rock stars, musicians and music lovers.

Irish registrations can be identified by containing either an 'I' or 'Z'. Irish cherished numbers are what is known as “dateless plates” meaning that they do not have an age identifier. This means that they can be transferred onto any roadworthy vehicle in the UK.

Bob O’Donnell – Director at Cape Plates(http://www.capeplates.co.uk) and an avid music fan commented:

“The new GIG release throws up some really great combinations. Woodstock fans could go for GIG 1969, or Irish Clash fans could opt for GIG 1977 (The Trinity College Dublin gig). Or if saving the world is more your thing how about GIG 1985 (Live Aid at Wembley). Obviously dates of birth will be popular and as always we expect the lower numbers - especially the single digit variety, to fetch large sums of money.”

The GIG combination is the latest in some very interesting releases of Irish registration marks which have included GIL, BIL, DIG, BIG, JIL, FIL, MIL – followed by the numbers 1 - 9999. However, while Irish number plates used to be significantly cheaper than their UK DVLA counterpart - this has changed in recent years with the explosion in the popularity of car registrations.

The current record paid for a Northern Ireland number plate was just over £100,000 for the registration BIG 1. Sean McCrory purchased the plate from an auction in Belfast and also bought BIG 2 for £15,000 and BIG 3 for £14,500. The previous record price was £50,000 paid for WIL 1.

So although Bono reckons he “Still hasn’t found what he’s looking for” – maybe that’s all about to change.