CAR retailers in Swindon are not expecting a stampede now the new 05-registration plate is available.

The story is very different from four years ago when eager buyers would camp out in garages waiting for the clock to strike midnight so they could drive off in a brand new car.

However, dealers have said car purchases are much more even throughout the year which is what the motor industry wanted.

Neil Robins, 34, is a senior salesman at Volvo in Great Western Way. After 16 years in the business he knows that the hype surrounding new registrations is beginning to die off.

Mr Robins said: "It's less of a novelty. People don't value a plate change like they used to."

New cars have been available on March 1 and September 1 for the last four years. Previously, registrations only changed in August each year. Mr Robins added: "People used to queue up from midnight to be the first on the road."

Dealers would hold parties to keep the crowds entertained before they could drive away from the forecourt.

Mr Robins said his garage is expecting just a small trickle of people to collect cars today (Tuesday, March 1).

Mr Robins said: "We can give customers a better quality service."

The picture is not bleak however for the motor industry and people are still buying new cars. Mercedes-Benz of Swindon has reported an up-turn in sales this year and has said some people order new cars six months before they will be available to drive away.

General manager David Harries, said: "We have nearly hit our target already for March.

"We are much busier on both registration months."

He added that the change of registration plates twice a year now adds to car sales.