Turkmenistan president bans black cars - because he 'prefers white'

Over 20 per cent of new cars sold in the UK are black – but those numbers wouldn't fly in the central Asian country of Turkmenistan. The nation's president, Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov, prefers white – and so has made black cars illegal in the capital city of Ashgabat.

Burdymukhammedov famously believes white brings 'good luck' and ordered many of his officials to purchase white cars. Now though, he's forcing ordinary residents to repaint their vehicles in white or silver, or face a hefty fine. Cars are being towed to impound lots, with owners only securing their release upon agreeing to repaint the vehicles.