The idea of the new system based on the fact that most people notice only a small fraction of any given number plate. It's purpose is the yield the most useful information from that first letter.
Under the old system, witnesses to an accident or crime might typically say, "It was an M reg Ford Escort" or slightly better "It was M 123 something... I think".
The new system is designed so that the equivalent statement would now give police the most useful information first. So, saying it was an M reg car would now point the police towards Manchester. If the witness was also able to give the digits (which are now meaningful and no longer random and thus lodge unconciously in the memory better) then that would narrow down the search better. Also, vehicles that aren't local to a given area stand out more.
The final letters are still no more memorable than they were in the old system but equally they're probably no worse either.
It's by no means a perfect system but quite often it's the smallest of clues that help catch hit-and-run drivers or criminals.
V.
<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Vince on 2002-03-04 13:10 ]</font>