Drivers making themselves invisible to speed and ANPR cameras

A Parliamentary inquiry is to be launched in a bid to tackle a "growing problem"

13:04, 18 Oct 2025

A Parliamentary inquiry is set to tackle the "growing problem" of drivers making themselves invisible to speed and ANPR cameras on UK roads. Drivers are dodging detection by using cloned or modified number plates, known as ghost plates, which can't be read by cameras, allowing them to flout motoring laws without consequence.[1]

In addition to evading penalties for dangerous driving such as speeding and running red lights, there's also concern that it's enabling criminal groups to move undetected. A recent police operation in Birmingham caught 4,300 drivers breaking the law in this manner in just a fortnight, reports Birmingham Live[2].

The issue is being taken more seriously following campaigns from police chiefs and politicians in the West Midlands.

The initiation of a new Parliamentary Vehicle Registration Plate Inquiry has been hailed as a significant breakthrough on the matter.[3]

Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster, who also chairs the West Midlands Road Safety Strategic Partnership Board, said: "This is a very significant and welcome step forward, in the fight against illegal 3D and 4D number plates - known as ghost plates.

"I've been campaigning for national action on this issue for some time, and I'm pleased to see that our work here in the West Midlands is now gathering serious momentum.

"This inquiry is about exposing offenders, bringing them to justice and keeping people safe on our roads.

"It's vital that we now build on this progress and deliver the changes needed to tighten up the law and keep the people and communities of our region safe and secure."

Sarah Coombes, MP for West Bromwich who has been spearheading the campaign, is pushing for harsher punishments for those caught using ghost plates.

She said: "I'm pleased that in the West Midlands we are in the vanguard of action to crack down on illegal number plates.

"The results of Operation Phantom exposed just how big the problem of ghost plates is in our region, which is why there could be no better time for a parliamentary inquiry into this issue.

"I'm calling for tougher penalties for people who wilfully evade detection by ANPR and who are making our roads unsafe.

"I hope this inquiry will find that there is no excuse for using a ghost plate and demand an end to this number plate wild west."

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References

1. ^ allowing them to flout motoring laws without consequence. (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
2. ^ Birmingham Live (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
3. ^ hailed as a significant breakthrough on the matter. (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
4. ^ daily and breaking newsletter (data.reachplc.com)
5. ^ here (data.reachplc.com)
6. ^ @LivECHONews (twitter.com)
7. ^ Bluesky @liverpoolecho.co.uk (bsky.app)
8. ^ real news in real time (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
9. ^ Facebook/theliverpoolecho (www.facebook.com)
10. ^ by clicking here (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
11. ^ Don't miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the Echo Daily newsletter here (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)