(10 hours ago)peter wrote As you've mentioned it was previously anything 12 years or newer but has now been extended to 12-plate or newer - it's the same here in Merseyside where 12-plate/62-plate Pulsars are now being repainted and receiving new seat covers but 61-plates aren't.
In theory the 12-plates could still be in service come 2030, whereas it seems like a lot of investment is going on across Arriva as a whole to replace the large batch of Pulsars bought between 2009 and 2011 - clearly decided they need to get a few more years out of the more modern examples before they go - some of which have had repaints and some of which have never had them.
Aye that's fair, won't the 61 Plates need to go next year though in Merseyside because of the 15 year rule so are technically in the next year and that's maybe why? Can't see anyone else wanting them.
Who knows sure we'll find out if a DB300 gets painted at Blyth or not.