One in 15 number plates illegal, finds APPGTS report
About one in 15 number plates in the UK may be illegal, according to the findings of an All-Party Parliamentary Group for Transport Safety (APPGTS) report.
The UK’s advanced Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system captures around 90 million reads a day from more than 18,000 cameras, but the report found that this data is being undermined by weak and outdated regulation around number plate production and supply.
As a result, one in 15 vehicles on UK roads may have modified, non-compliant plates including ‘ghost’ and stealth plates designed to evade ANPR detection. These plates, which help criminals go unidentified and enable drivers to avoid paying road charges, tolls, congestion fees and fines, are often sold openly by unregulated suppliers,
In fact, the report found that there are now more than 34,455 suppliers registered with the DVLA to produce UK number plates, many operating from private homes or small workshops, with no background checks in place.
Urgent action
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “It’s clear from this report that urgent action must be taken to stop the widespread abuse of number plates, which has serious and far-reaching consequences for our society from road safety to national security.
“Ghost and cloned plates have no place on our roads as no one should be able to drive a vehicle that’s invisible to enforcement cameras or untraceable by the police. It’s vital we introduce new, higher security standards for number plates and those who produce them.”
Full support
Michael Flanagan, chairman, British Number Plate Manufacturers Association (BNMA) added: “The BNMA fully supports the recommendations of the APPG. This report provides a valuable opportunity to strengthen compliance across our members’ customer base, ensuring that end consumers consistently receive a high‑quality, fully compliant product.
‘’The BNMA will support the proposed level of regulation during and after its implementation by providing compliant resources and enhancing its guidance to outlets, authorities, and the public, thereby safeguarding public safety through a secure and regulated supply system.’’
