Plans to address the issue of fake and altered number plates have been criticized as lacking clarity and effectiveness, according to warnings issued to ministers. The British Number Plates Association (BNMA) has expressed worries about the prevalence of illegal number plates, including “ghost plates” that can reflect camera flashes and evade detection by speed cameras and bus lane cameras, also known as 3D or 4D plates.
Concerns have arisen from the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety, suggesting that as many as one in 15 vehicles on UK roads may be equipped with modified, non-compliant plates to avoid detection.
Earlier this year, ministers released the Road Safety Strategy, which included commitments to impose stricter penalties for driving with illegal plates, such as vehicle seizures, and to enhance the authority of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Authority (DVLA).
Despite these efforts, there are growing concerns about the slow progress. Michael Flanagan, BNMA Chair, urged swift action, stating that the government needs to expedite the crackdown on illegal number plates as the current plans are vague and may not be effective.
Labour MP Sarah Coombes highlighted the prevalence of ghost and cloned plates on the roads due to the lack of oversight among the 34,000 DVLA-registered suppliers. Coombes called for increased penalties for using or supplying ghost plates and for stricter regulations on the DVLA’s list of suppliers.
Liberal Democrat MP Al Pinkerton criticized the inefficiency of the UK’s vehicle registration mark system, emphasizing the ease with which cloning and ghost plates can be exploited. Pinkerton warned that innocent drivers face wrongful fines and enforcement actions due to these plates, creating a significant challenge in law enforcement and road safety.
In response, a Department for Transport (DfT) spokesperson stated that the Road Safety Strategy aims to combat illegal plates aiding criminal activities. The DfT has sought feedback on proposals for harsher penalties for illegal plate use, plate standard reviews, and improved enforcement. The consultations have concluded, and the DfT is evaluating the feedback to determine the next steps.
