INDUSTRY bosses have accused the Government of side-lining moves to end the annual August 1 registration letter system until after the next general election. This week fleet and motor industry chiefs concluded that August 1996 would not be the end of the current system and said the industry should plan for the R-plate in August 1997.

Alan Pulham, director of the National Franchised Dealers Association, said: 'I think this issue has gone to the back of the queue. The Government now seems much more interested in getting photographs put on driving licences.' He said he had just acquired a copy of the DVLA's business plan and the year identifier issue was not on it.

Roger King, public affairs director with the SMMT said: 'Our advice to members booking advertising or organising production cycles is that they must plan for an R plate. We have not made the sort of progress that we hoped for.'

Association of Car Fleet Operators chairman Tony Leigh said: 'We want a decision on the issue and the sooner the better. At this rate though I expect a normal August change to R plates and maybe an S after that.' And BVRLA secretary general Norman Donkin said: 'It seems that the Government has stalled and the consultation paper has been put on ice. It appears that the DVLA has realised how much the proposals will cost.'