Behind the wheel has always been one of the public spots where a “romantic” approach was almost impossible. No longer. Now even this sanctuary, where text messaging is illegal and it never mattered if you looked alluring, has been compromised by www.datemyplate.com.

First came internet dating: fine as long as you met in a bright, well-populated place. Then came speed dating, for those in a hurry to meet their soulmate between work and a drinking binge. Then text message dating, for those who didn’t want to talk to the object of their affections at all. Now we have plate dating, where the only requirement is that you both drive. You see someone in the next lane, think they’re hot, take down their number plate, post a message to them on the website and hope for the best. But is it so simple? To take part you need a photographic memory — or a pen and paper to hand, preferably be left-handed and au fait with writing while driving at high speed. Crucially, you need the gods to be smiling on your union because what are the chances of the object of your desire getting home and thinking: “I’ll just quickly check if anyone on the M40 fancied me”?