8A   Special number-plates

(1)  The regulations may make provision for or with respect to the issue by the Authority of number-plates (special number-plates) that have a special design, format or content approved by the Authority, and for or with respect to the use, transfer, replacement and surrender of special number-plates.

(2)  The Authority is authorised to enter into contractual and other commercial arrangements (special number-plate arrangements) for the provision of marketing and other services to the Authority in connection with the issue of special number-plates.

(3)  Special number-plate arrangements under this section must include provision to ensure that a party to the arrangements will be subject to the same restrictions on the collection, use or disclosure of information obtained in the course of the operation of the arrangements as apply to the Authority under the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998.

(4)  Regulations under this section can include provision for or with respect to the following:

(a)  the issue of special number-plates independently of vehicle registration, as a commercial undertaking conducted by the Authority,

(b)  providing for the Authority to enter into agreements with persons to whom special number-plates are or are to be issued, to provide for their rights and obligations in connection with the special number-plates issued to them,

(c)  requiring the payment of fees, charges and consideration for or in connection with the issue, use, transfer, replacement and surrender of special number-plates,

(d)  providing for the setting of those fees, charges and consideration by the regulations, the Authority or a party to special number-plate arrangements or by or under any process provided for by the regulations or special number-plate arrangements.

(5)  The issue of a number-plate extends to arrangements for allocating, setting aside or reserving a number-plate (whether or not involving the delivery of possession of the number-plate and including arrangements under which the Authority retains possession of a number-plate after its issue).