Authorities have reported a surge in British drivers using “ghost” or “stealth” number plates to avoid detection by speed cameras and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems.
What Are Ghost Number Plates?
Ghost plates are altered or designed using reflective materials that can confuse traffic cameras, making the vehicle’s registration number unreadable. The tactics include:
? Using reflective coatings to obscure details under infrared light.
? Physically tampering with letters and numbers to prevent software recognition.
? Modifying plates to distort camera readings.
Concerns Raised Over Public Safety
Labour MP for West Bromwich, Sarah Coombes, has voiced concerns over the issue, calling it a “serious criminal matter” that allows reckless drivers to escape punishment.
“This is a serious criminal issue,” she said. “At the moment, the penalties for covering up or altering your number plate are less than what you’d get for a speeding ticket.”
She warned that some drivers using ghost plates believe they can get away with:
? Running red lights
? Drunk driving
? Ignoring speed limits
? Evading law enforcement
ANPR Effectiveness at Risk
The RAC Foundation estimates that one in 12 number plates is either obscured, damaged, or tampered with, making it difficult for ANPR cameras to function effectively.
Coombes emphasised that ANPR technology is essential for road safety, saying:
“ANPR and the humble number plate are hardwired into the UK’s road safety. If people think they can speed, drive without due care, or evade prosecution by doctoring their plates, then we need to remove this temptation.”
Ghost Plates Used for Criminal Activity
Beyond avoiding speeding fines, criminals use ghost plates to:
⚠️ Dodge congestion charges and tolls
⚠️ Hide from police surveillance
⚠️ Commit crimes without being traced
Calls for Tougher Punishments
Coombes has called for stronger penalties for those caught tampering with plates, warning that the current punishments fail to act as a deterrent.
“Innocent members of the public are being put at risk. The punishments need to be tougher.”
Authorities urge the public to report any suspicious vehicles with altered or obscured plates to help curb this growing issue and protect road users.
