Federal Court Proceeding No. VID133 of 2008
Ansell & Stone v Roads Corporation (trading as VicRoads)

VicRoads promoted an auction to be held on 6 March 2008 (the Auction), at which it proposed to auction a new series of plates. The new series of plates were number plates as depicted in the attached catalogue (the Catalogue) and were named "VSeries Plates" (the Advertised VSeries Plates).

In March of 2008, Mr Duncan Ansell and Mr Martin Stone (the Applicants) instituted Federal Court Proceeding No.VID133 of 2008 (the Proceeding) against VicRoads, alleging that the Advertised VSeries Plates were confusingly similar to Heritage Plates and alleging that their release would amount to a breach of their contracts, misleading and deceptive conduct and false representations under the Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth) and/or the Fair Trading Act 1999 (Vic) (the Dispute).

VicRoads denied all allegations made by the Applicants in the Proceeding.

By confidential terms of settlement the Dispute and the Proceeding has been settled. The Applicants can however state that VicRoads has agreed not to issue in the future or offer for sale the Advertised VSeries Plates in the form depicted in the Catalogue for the Auction. The terms of settlement are otherwise confidential.

STOP PRESS!

On March 5 2008, The Federal Court issued an Injunction preventing Vicroads from Auctioning a series of new V Plates that look remarkably similar to Heritage Plates at Duttons this evening.

A group of Heritage Plate enthusiasts initiated the action to prevent the release of these plates on the basis that they are deceptive, similar and will devalue the historical and collectibility value of Classic Heritage Plates.

The current conflict with Vicroads issuing V-Plates or "look alike" Heritage Plates has absolutely confirmed the need for a collective voice among owners of these special plates.

The need for a Heritage Plate Register has never been more important where owners can join an Association and participate in a Forum where all issues that effect their values and collectibility can be discussed.

If you own a Heritage Plate(s) I encourage you to complete the Registration of Interest form so that we can inform you of all the issues and invite you to become a member.

Privacy
We protect your privacy – at no stage are your personal details released without your express permission. We take all enquiries on your behalf (telephone calls, emails, faxes) concerning your plates and keep you updated with offers from prospective buyers. You always remain completely anonymous until your settlement meeting with the purchaser – we can even arrange the settlement on your behalf.

Value
We regularly advertise in the print media and are continually directing potential buyers and sellers to our service – personal service is guaranteed. Our online database allows us to keep you regularly informed of the progress of the sale of your plates. You will receive confirmations, receipts, renewal notices, updates by email – if you do not have an email address, all correspondence will be forwarded by post to your nominated address.

Your Plates
Your plates can be displayed in up to three categories and your selling price may be changed twice during your 13-week (3 month) advertising period. Our advertising rates are very reasonable for the service we provide and our knowledge and expertise are the key to the successful sale of your number plates. We look forward to helping you find the plates you’re after or sell your valuable plates.

Mel McLennan