The Government is coming under pressure to introduce harsher fines for ghost plates. (Image: Getty)
A Member of Parliament has called for stricter measures to tackle a growing trend that rogue drivers use to , including .
An increasing number of drivers across the UK are fitting ‘ghost’ or ‘stealth’ number plates to their vehicles in a bid to make it more to read. This reduces the chances of being fined for breaking various laws.
, MP for West Bromwich, has urged stricter action to prevent drivers from making the modification, warning that they are putting the lives of others at risk.
She explained: “This is a serious criminal issue. And at the moment, the or changing it in some way is less than what you’d get for a .
“I know that most drivers in West Brom are just trying to get to work or drop their kids off at school. They are safe and careful drivers. But there are a select minority of people who think they are above the law.”
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Ghost plates make it more difficult for ANPR cameras to read the vehicle’s registration plate. (Image: Getty)
Some motorists use Ghost number plates to get away with breaking driving laws, such as exceeding speed limits, driving in bus lanes, and entering low emission zones (LEZs) in a non-compliant vehicle without paying the charge.
These plates feature all manner of reflective sprays and films or irregular fonts designed to fool ANPR cameras.
Some criminals may also fit a cloned set of number plates to their car, either to conceal a stolen model or get away with offences behind the wheel. The actual owner of the registration plate is sent the fines.
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The Government is currently considering introducing fines of up to £5,000 for the offence (Image: Getty)
Despite giving drivers the ability to potentially dodge thousands of pounds worth of motoring offences and bans, drivers caught with a set of ghost number plates currently only face a penalty of £100 – often less than the set of plates cost in the first place.
However, in late 2024, the Government has announced it is considering increasing the fine to a maximum of £5,000 or even vehicle confiscations in a bid to cut down on crime.
Several motoring organisations have stressed that more also needs to be done to raise awareness of the issue – helping to deter drivers from thinking about fitting a set of ghost plates to their vehicle.
Ms Coombes supports the Government’s proposed measures, highlighting the popularity and importance of ANPR cameras on the UK’s road network.
She warned: “ANPR and the humble number plate is hot-wired into the UK’s road safety.
“If people think, by doctoring their plates, they can speed, drive without due care or without insurance to evade prosecution – then we need to remove this temptation. Innocent members of the public are being put at risk.”