THE Government must not throw away the opportunity to change the vehicle registration system despite the proximity of the General Election, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

Chief executive Ernie Thompson said although chances of a change taking place this year were remote, the industry had to be united in spurring the Government to act next year. He said the industry had agreed on the solution of a quarterly registration plate change and was also prepared to absorb a significant proportion of the costs involved in implementing the switch, but the DoT was still dithering. Recently the Government issued a consultation document on the registration plate change.