The Government says celebrating national identity is behind its plan to display the Union Jack, alongside the European Union flag, on British driving licences.
Anyone applying for a new licence or changing their personal details will be issued with a licence showing both the British and European Union flags from now on.
The changes will apply to motorists in England, Scotland and Wales, and provide road users with a symbolic sign of their national identity, says the Government.
Transport minister Claire Perry said: "People in this country rightly take pride in our national flag which is why I am delighted it will now be displayed on British driving licences.
"Celebrating Britain strengthens our sense of national identity and our unity. I will feel proud to carry my new licence and I hope others will too."
The European Union flag has been displayed on full driving licences since photocards first came into use in July 1998. More than 127 million photocard licences have been issued since they were introduced.
The inclusion of the Union Flag on licences is one of a number of changes being introduced by the Government for motorists, including the scrapping of the paper counterpart from June 8, 2015.
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Gareth has more than 20 years’ experience as a journalist having started his career in local newspapers in the 1990s. Prior to joining Fleet News in 2008, he worked in the public sector as a media advisor and is currently news editor at Fleet News.
Walter White - 30/12/2014 10:02
I think you mean the "Union Flag". The term Union Jack is only used if the flag is on a ship.