MOTORISTS have been overcharged to exchange cherished numbers after fees were increased illegally.

They can claim a refund from Environment but it is not yet clear how many have been affected by the mistake or how much money is involved.

The overcharge relates specifically to a series of increases made before 2004, which were not in line with legal procedures.

This includes an increase of £1.50 from £25 to £26.50 in 2000, and increases of £1 to £27.50, £28.50 and £29.50 from 2001 to 2003.