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In Belgium, the windfall from personalized license plates is bringing in big profits for the State
In Belgium, the windfall from personalized license plates is bringing in big profits for the State
(France 2)
Belgium could well give the Barnier government some advice on how to replenish the state coffers. Indeed, in our neighbouring country, it is possible to personalise your registration plate for 1,000 euros.
On the streets of Brussels, Belgium, it is not uncommon to come across wacky license plates. As long as you don’t exceed eight characters, you can write almost anything on your plate. But you have to pay 1,000 euros. A price that not everyone is willing to pay. “It’s a waste of money”says a young Belgian woman. “It’s a very good system for the state to have lots of money”points out another passerby when questioned.
This vein is indeed profitable, since in 10 years, it is estimated that 80,000 license plates have been reserved, for 80 million euros. According to Hervé Petillon, a license plate manufacturer, there are several reasons to order a license plate in your image: “It can be a trader who puts the name of his company, or, as a private individual, you can put your own first name”he said. Enough to give France ideas.