France authorised the first vehicle licence plate system in the world. The history dates back to the Paris Police Ordinance of August 14, 1893.

Every time a traffic camera catches a speeding vehicle or a hit-and-run witness scribbles down a registration number, it is relying on a system that dates back over 130 years, one that was invented ...

"Widespread abuse" of vehicle number plates is allowing dishonest drivers to avoid road fines and is helping to facilitate drug dealing and organised crime, a new report has warned. As many as one in ...