Drivers making themselves ‘invisible’ to cameras

Illegal number plate offences have increased over recent years

05:30, 05 Apr 2025

Ghost plates are becoming an increasing concern for authorities.

Exclusive data has revealed how illegal number plates are becoming an increasing issue on West Midlands roads.

BirminghamLive has reported over recent weeks how police are growing more concerned about the use of so-called ghost number plates.

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These illegal plates allow cars to evade police speed and ANPR camera technology, essentially making them invisible to authorities.

It means reckless drivers can speed, run red light and perform other dangerous manoeuvres without being caught.

Data obtained under freedom of information laws shows illegal number plate offences have risen over recent years in the West Midlands.

The total of plates which failed to "conform with regulations" in 2022 was 256, rising to 305 in 2023 and 590 last year.

These may not all have involved ghost plates, but gives an indication of how illegal plates are becoming an increasing issue.

Number plates can be cloned, made unreadable or altered relatively easily.

The MP for West Bromwich, Sarah Coombes, is leading a campaign for tougher punishments for offenders.

Currently, people face a GBP100 fine but no penalty points.

Ms Coombes told the Commons recently: "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.

"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.

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"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."