Road Safety Act 1986

A contract under section 5AE for the use of a non‑standard number plate or a replacement non‑standard number plate may provide that, in addition to the consideration payable on entering into the contract, a periodical charge is payable for the use of the non‑standard number plate or replacement non‑standard number plate.

If, under subsection (1), a contract provides that a periodical charge is payable—

the periods for which the charge must be paid must be specified in the contract; and

the Secretary may determine the amount of the charge to be paid in respect of each period which may be increased or decreased from the amount payable for the previous period.

A determination of the Secretary under subsection (2)(b)—

may be made in respect of one or more non‑standard number plates or replacement non‑standard number plates; and

may be made in respect of one or more periods; and

for an increase in the amount of the charge, must not have effect before the commencement of the period for which the charge is to be paid that immediately follows the making of the determination.

If the Secretary, in making a determination under subsection (2)(b), increases the amount of the charge, the Secretary must give the person liable to pay the charge notice of the alteration of the charge at least 6 weeks before the commencement of the period for which the charge is to be paid.

In making a determination under subsection (2)(b), the Secretary may calculate the charge by reference to—

any increase or decrease in the market value of the non‑standard number plates or replacement non‑standard number plates; or

anything else as determined by the Secretary.

The amount of any periodical charge under this section—

may vary according to the particular non‑standard number plate or replacement non‑standard number plate or class of non‑standard number plate or replacement non‑standard number plate; and

is not required to be related in any way to the cost to the Secretary of providing any service.