MP Sarah Coombes Advocates Action on ‘Ghost’ Car Registration Plates

A UK MP is pushing for stricter penalties against motorists using illegal ‘ghost’ number plates, which obscure vehicle registration numbers from enforcement cameras.

These modified plates allow reckless drivers to evade detection while breaking traffic laws, prompting concerns about road safety and the effectiveness of current enforcement measures.

Calls for Legislative Action

Sarah Coombes, Labour MP for West Bromwich, is advocating for a significant increase in fines and penalty points for drivers caught using non-compliant licence plates. Under current regulations, offenders face a £100 fine—identical to the minimum speeding penalty, which also carries three penalty points. Coombes is proposing to raise the fine to £1,000 and impose a minimum of six penalty points to deter offenders.

"There are a select minority of people who think they are above the law. The behaviour of a few reckless drivers is putting us all at risk. The punishments need to be tougher," she stated.

Ghost plates, available for as little as £30, are designed to reflect light in a way that prevents Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras from capturing the registration number. These plates are reportedly being used by some motorists to evade detection for speeding, running red lights, and other traffic violations.

Widespread Abuse and Safety Concerns

While the full extent of number plate misuse remains unclear, estimates suggest that around one in 15 vehicles may have modified plates. A police operation in London revealed that 40% of taxi and private hire vehicles checked had coatings applied to their plates to obstruct ANPR readings.

Tony Porter, the UK’s former surveillance camera commissioner, emphasized the risks posed by such practices:

"ANPR and the humble number plate is hot-wired into the UK's road safety. 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."

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for The AA, echoed concerns about enforcement challenges, suggesting that a decline in traffic police numbers may contribute to the problem.

"Drivers manipulating their number plates in any way is a serious offence. While steps are needed to tackle the root cause of the problem, some feel that a lack of traffic police increases their chances of getting away with such activity."

Government Response

The Labour government has acknowledged the concerns surrounding road safety and is reportedly working on a new national road safety strategy—the first of its kind in over a decade. A government spokesperson confirmed the administration’s commitment to addressing the issue:

"This government takes road safety seriously. We are committed to reducing the number of those killed and injured on our roads. Since the general election, the Labour government has begun work on a new road safety strategy. Ministers will share more details of the strategy in due course."

Coombes is set to present her proposal in the House of Commons using a 10-minute rule motion. However, without government backing, the initiative faces significant hurdles in becoming law.