I think the government tend to listen to the police and local authorities as far as trade plate useage is concerned, not the motor trade. If the police make a case for trade plate use being abused then they'll be withdrawn. Don't forget that 'road pricing' is coming, that was the primary reason for updating the DVLA website; to allow for monthly payments as well as paying VED. Who knows how these changes will affect the motor trade, and In the great scheme of things trade plates are a minor issue.