Plans to address the issue of fake and altered number plates have been criticized by officials as being unclear and inadequate. The British Number Plates Association (BNMA) has expressed worries regarding the prevalence of illegal number plates, such as “ghost plates,” which can reflect camera flashes, evade detection by speed cameras and bus lane cameras, and are also referred to as 3D or 4D plates.
These concerns were raised following warnings from the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety, indicating that approximately one in 15 vehicles on UK roads may have modified, non-compliant plates that can escape detection.
Earlier this year, ministers released the Road Safety Strategy, which included plans for stricter penalties for driving with illegal plates, including the possibility of seizing vehicles. Additionally, ministers vowed to grant enhanced authority to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Authority (DVLA).
Despite these initiatives, there are growing concerns about the slow progress. BNMA Chair Michael Flanagan emphasized the urgency for action, stating that while the government has acknowledged the issue in the Road Safety Strategy, more decisive measures need to be taken promptly to combat these crimes, as the current plans are overly vague and may not be effective.
Labour MP Sarah Coombes highlighted the prevalence of ghost and cloned plates on the roads, attributing it to the lack of oversight among the 34,000 DVLA-registered suppliers. Coombes urged the government to strengthen penalties for using or supplying ghost plates and to enhance the regulation of suppliers in the DVLA’s register.
Liberal Democrat MP Al Pinkerton criticized the inadequacy of the UK’s vehicle registration mark system, pointing out that the ease of cloning and using ghost plates poses risks to innocent motorists who face wrongful fines and enforcement actions. Pinkerton emphasized the need for tighter regulations to prevent these offenses and enhance road safety and enforcement measures.
In response to these concerns, a Department for Transport (DfT) spokesperson stated that the Road Safety Strategy aims to combat illegal plates aiding criminals in evading detection. The DfT has sought feedback on proposals for stricter penalties related to illegal plates, reviewing plate standards, and improving enforcement. The DfT is currently evaluating the responses received before announcing further steps.