INDUSTRY sources have dismissed rumours that August 1 P-plates will give way within four months to a quarterly letter change starting in December with the introduction of R-plates.

Investigations by Fleet News have revealed that proposals to alter the current August 1 plate change are at the same stage as reported earlier this year (Fleet News February 23). Then Fleet News said no decision would be made until industry bodies had been consulted and added that most sides appeared to favour two plate changes a year.

An SMMT spokesman at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said: 'We have not moved further forward. It will change to P on August 1. But we expect the Department of Transport to come up with a new scheme at that time.