Plans to address the issue of counterfeit and altered number plates have been criticized for lacking clarity and effectiveness, according to warnings issued to ministers. The British Number Plates Association (BNMA) has expressed concerns about the prevalence of illegal number plates in circulation, including “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 also raised alarms, suggesting that approximately one in 15 vehicles on UK roads may have altered, non-compliant plates designed to avoid detection. The recently published Road Safety Strategy by ministers promised stricter penalties for driving with illegal plates, such as vehicle seizures, and enhancing the authority of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Authority (DVLA).
Despite these promises, there are growing concerns that progress is too slow. BNMA Chair Michael Flanagan urged swift action, stating that the issue of illegal number plates is worsening. He emphasized the need for detailed plans to combat these crimes, as the current proposals are vague and potentially inadequate.
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 stricter regulation of the DVLA’s supplier register.
Liberal Democrat MP Al Pinkerton criticized the inadequacy of the UK’s vehicle registration system, noting the ease with which cloning and ghost plates can be exploited. Pinkerton emphasized the negative impact on innocent motorists who face wrongful fines and enforcement actions due to these illegal plates, calling for improved standards and enforcement measures.
In response, a spokesperson from the Department for Transport (DfT) emphasized the government’s commitment to cracking down on illegal plates through the Road Safety Strategy. The DfT has considered feedback on proposals for tougher penalties, plate standards review, and enhanced enforcement, with further steps to be announced following a thorough review of responses.
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