Plans to address the issue of counterfeit and altered number plates have been criticized by ministers for being unclear and inadequate. The British Number Plates Association (BNMA) has expressed worry about the prevalence of illegal number plates on the streets, particularly ghost plates that can reflect camera flashes, evade detection by speed cameras and bus lane cameras, and are also referred to as 3D or 4D plates.
The Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety has raised concerns that as many as one in 15 vehicles on UK roads may have altered, non-compliant plates that can avoid detection. In response, ministers released the Road Safety Strategy earlier this year, committing to imposing stricter penalties for driving with illegal plates, including vehicle seizures, and granting enhanced authority to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Authority (DVLA).
Despite these efforts, concerns have arisen that progress is slow. BNMA Chair Michael Flanagan has urged swift action, stating that illegal number plates are becoming increasingly problematic. He emphasized the need for detailed plans to combat these crimes, citing the current plans as vague and potentially ineffective.
Labour MP Sarah Coombes highlighted the prevalence of ghost and cloned plates on the roads, attributing it to the lack of oversight among the vast number of DVLA-registered suppliers. Coombes called for increased penalties for using or supplying ghost plates and advocated for stricter regulations on the DVLA’s supplier register.
Liberal Democrat MP Al Pinkerton criticized the inadequacy of the UK’s vehicle registration mark system, noting that despite advancements in digital security, cloning and ghost plates remain easily exploitable. Pinkerton highlighted the negative impact on innocent motorists who face wrongful fines and enforcement due to these illegal plates, emphasizing the potential risks to public safety and law enforcement effectiveness.
In response, a Department for Transport (DfT) spokesperson emphasized the government’s commitment to combating illegal plates through the Road Safety Strategy. The DfT has proposed tougher penalties, reviewed number plate standards, and enhanced enforcement measures. Following the closure of consultations on these proposals, the DfT is evaluating the feedback received to determine the next steps in addressing the issue.
