Dodgy drivers are ‘making themselves invisible’ to speed cameras as tactic exposed

Dodgy drivers are using "ghost" number plates to evade speed cameras and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology, leaving them free to commit driving offences without being caught. The special plates, which are coated with reflective materials, are able to trick police camera technology, sparking concerns that the problem could be more widespread than initially thought. An MP has called for tougher penalties for those caught using the deceptive plates, as the current system only imposes a GBP100 fine, with no penalty points, a much more lenient punishment than speeding offences.

The issue has raised alarm about the ease with which number plates can be cloned or tampered with, which could lead to innocent motorists facing financial difficulties if they are involved in a collision with a vehicle with fake plates that are not recognised by insurance companies. West Bromwich MP Sarah Coombes brought the matter to Parliament, seeking tougher enforcement against fraudulent number plates, stating: "This is a serious criminal issue. And at the moment, the penalties for covering up your number plate or changing it in some way is less than what you'd get for a speeding ticket."

READ MORE - Olly Murs 'broken' and gives health update as he's forced to cancel gig[1] READ MORE - Britain's Got Talent fans issue same complaint minutes into first show[2] Concerned about road safety, Ms Coombes said: "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." She continued with frustration, "They think that by using a ghost plate they can get away with running red lights, drunk driving, ignoring speed limits and much, much worse.

It can't be right that these drivers are not being caught by police for creating so much danger on our roads. The punishments need to be tougher.", reports Chronicle Live[3]. Taking a firm stance, Ms Coombes added: "ANPR and the humble number plate is hot-wired into the UK's road safety."

She warned, "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."