In something of a turnaround, the government has decided that from 28 September motorists who wish to take their cars abroad will be required to display a ‘UK’ sticker.

The change in rules comes only months after ministers had replaced the old Euro plate with a new ‘GB’ number plate, complete with Union flag. From September, motorists who have bought the new GB number plate and wish to drive their vehicles abroad will have to upgrade to the new UK number plate.

The changes are thought to have come about as a result of post-Brexit frictions brought about by issues concerning trade and the Ireland/Northern Ireland border.

It has been noted by several news services that the change was not formally announced by the government, in contrast to the much publicised launch of the GB number plate in January by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps.

Instead, the government has written to the United Nations declaring that: “The United Kingdom is changing the distinguishing sign that it had previously selected for display in international traffic on vehicles registered in the United Kingdom, from “GB” to “UK”.”

It is unknown how many new GB number plates have been produced or sold but Auto Express reports that the AA says it has 50,000 items of stock it will now need to change.