The Government has given the go-ahead to motorists who want to display national flags and symbols on their vehicle number plates.

Transport Minister John Spellar said the Union Jack, Cross of St George, Scottish Saltire or Welsh Dragon could appear on registration plates following a review by the DVLA.

"It is what the people of England, Scotland and Wales have asked for and strengthens their feeling of national identity," he said.

British drivers could also include the letters ENG, SCO and CYM on plates, he said.

An overhaul in the car registration system in September banned all national symbols on number plates except the European Union flag, with the letters GB underneath.

Mr Spellar ordered the DVLA review after complaints from Scottish and Welsh nationalists that the new regulations outlawed symbols which were previously popular with motorists. Scottish Secretary Helen Liddell also supported a change in the law.

Some police forces had said that logos on plates made it more difficult to identify vehicles involved in driving offences.