Thousands of drivers across the UK are set to be affected by new number plate rules that are being introduced followng an intervention from the European Union.
Major car brand Alfa Romeo has annnounced that it will end its long-standing tradition of not having number plates in the centre of the car, with drivers often spotting plates on the left or right wings.
The first Alfa Romeo to have the number plates at the side was the Giulietta Spider, with subsequent models also having the unique design choice.
The placement is designed to show off the "scudetto" triangular grille at the front of the vehicle.
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The changes come amid the European Union cracking down on road safety issues which could see drivers more protected in the event they are hit by a car.
The European Union's General Safety Regulations aim to ensure all products sold on the EU market meet minimum requirements to protect consumers.
Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos, design chief at Alfa Romeo, said the number plate in the middle would be seen on electric Giulia and Stelvio models, following on from the Junior hatch.
He added: "We cannot put the number plate on the side any more because of the homologation regulations for pedestrian [safety].
"Some die-hard Alfisti, who think an Alfa Romeo isn’t an Alfa Romeo unless it has the numberplate on the side won’t be happy, but there are plenty of beautiful Alfa Romeos in history which have the number plate in the middle," Autocar reported.
Commission Regulation (EU) 19/2011 deals with issues relating to type-approval requirements for the manufacturer's statutory plate and vehicle identification number of motor vehicles and their trailers.
Similarly, Commission Regulation (EU) No 1003/2010 concerns type-approval requirements for the space for mounting and the fixing of rear registration plates on motor vehicles and their trailers.
Both of these are related to the general safety of motor vehicles, their trailers and systems.
Mesonero-Romanos continued, saying: "I own an Alfetta and a 1968 Giulia which have a central plate and look beautiful.
“This will allow us to have symmetry anyway, so I am happy - I’m one of the guys who likes the plate in the middle."
The newly released Alfa Romeo Junior hatch comes equipped with a centrally-placed number plate, in addition to an impressive 250-mile electric battery range.
The Italian brand is expected to release more electric cars in the coming years, headlined by the Giulia, which some have touted as having a staggering 500-mile battery range.
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Other brands have embraced the offset number plate including the Land Rover S1, Mitsubishi Lancer and Bugatti Chiron, as well as modified cars.
