Top Gear CLEARED over Falklands number plate 'cover-up' during Christmas special
COMPLAINTS about the use of a controversial number plate on Top Gear's Patagonia special have been rejected by the BBC Trust today.
The BBC have cleared Top Gear following their use of a controversial number plate
The hit show sparked a diplomatic incident in Argentina when its crew fled the country over the use of the registration number, H982 FKL.
It was said the plate of the Porsche, driver by former host Jeremy Clarkson, appeared to refer to the Falklands War.
The programme went on to form part of the BBC's Christmas schedule.
Some complained they did not believe the car's plate was a randomly allocated number, but was a deliberate reference to the conflict.
It was said the Porsche's plate appeared to refer to the Falklands War
The registration number was used during the show's Patagonia special
They said the decision to air the programme over the festive period was particularly offensive.
Another complainant accused the BBC of a "cover-up" and said they needed to see evidence of the purchase of the car to prove the "amazing coincidence".
However the Trust's complaints and appeals board said there was no evidence "which demonstrated that the use of the number plate was a deliberate reference to the Falklands War".
All three stars are now thought to be involved in a rival show
The complaint was originally rejected by the BBC Executive but was sent to the Trust on appeal.
The Top Gear special saw presenter Jeremy and co-stars Richard Hammond and James May drive down the famous highway to the southern city of Ushuaia.
All three have now left the programme following Jeremy's altercation with a producer, BBC News added.