The UK faces a growing threat from “ghost” and cloned number plates, which allow criminals and even terrorists to operate undetected. A recent report by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Transport Safety (APPGTS) reveals systemic failures in the current number plate supply chain, exposing critical vulnerabilities in national security and law enforcement.
Зміст
The Scale of the Problem
The APPGTS estimates that one in fifteen vehicles on UK roads displays a non-compliant number plate. These include plates designed to evade Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, either by displaying fraudulent registrations or using reflective coatings that blind the cameras. This poses a direct risk to counter-terrorism efforts. National Trading Standards (NTS) warns that these plates enable vehicles to bypass surveillance around high-security locations like airports and government buildings, creating opportunities for vehicle-borne attacks.
Criminal Exploitation
Beyond terrorism, ghost plates are widely used to avoid legal consequences for everyday crimes. Speeding tickets, road tolls, and congestion charges are routinely circumvented, with cloned plates often leaving innocent vehicle owners liable for fines. Uninsured hit-and-run drivers also exploit this loophole, making prosecution difficult. The Motor Insurers’ Bureau highlights the increasing damage caused by untraceable vehicles, calling for immediate action.
Weak Oversight of Suppliers
The root of the problem lies in lax oversight of the over 34,000 DVLA-approved number plate suppliers. The APPGTS found that many operate from unregulated locations—garages, workshops, even homes—with minimal background checks. Some suppliers have criminal records, including violent offenses and fraud. This systemic failure allows illegal plates to flood the market with impunity.
Proposed Reforms
The APPGTS recommends a comprehensive overhaul of the number plate system, including:
- Standardized Designs: Banning vanity plates (3D, 4D, etc.) to ensure all plates are easily readable by ANPR.
- Mandatory Checks: Enforcing compliance at every MoT test.
- Increased Penalties: Raising fines and granting police the power to seize vehicles with fraudulent plates.
- Supplier Regulation: Implementing annual DVLA license fees and rigorous background/audit checks for all suppliers.
Political Momentum and Industry Response
Labour MP Sarah Coombes described the current system as “failing” and emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue. The British Number Plate Manufacturers Association (BNMA) has pledged support for increased regulation, promising to provide compliant resources and guidance. However, the reforms require a parliamentary bill, debate, and Royal Assent to become law.
The APPGTS report underscores a serious gap in UK security infrastructure. The proliferation of ghost plates facilitates criminal activity while undermining law enforcement’s ability to track and apprehend offenders. Without swift action to regulate the supply chain and enforce stricter standards, this threat will continue to grow.
