Key facts
- Thousands of illegal registration plates, including "ghost plates" and cloned plates, have been detected by new ANPR camera systems in the UK.
- These plates are used to evade detection by systems enforcing speed limits, low emission zones, and tracking criminals.
- One test site near the Dartford Crossing recorded over 1,000 ghost plates daily on average over several months.
- A site near the M25 saw ghost plate detections rise from 1,000 to nearly 2,000 per day.
- Buying a ghost plate is not illegal, but using one on a vehicle is against the law.
- Since 2020, only two number plate suppliers have been prosecuted and removed from the DVLA register.
Thousands of illegal registration plates, including "ghost plates" and cloned plates, have been detected by a new camera system being tested on motorways in south-east England, according to a BBC Panorama investigation. These plates are adapted to avoid identification by automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) systems, which are used for enforcing speed limits, low emission zones, and tracking criminals.
At a test site near the Dartford Crossing, the new camera system recorded an average of over 1,000 ghost plates per day over several months. Similar systems on the M25 have seen detections rise from 1,000 to nearly 2,000 daily, while a site near the Eurotunnel at Folkestone flags over 400 a day. Experts believe the UK's extensive ANPR network is failing to keep up with drivers determined to avoid recognition.
Families of victims of road deaths involving vehicles with illegal plates have shared their experiences. Sharon Gannon stated that her son, Jason Wallis, died in a crash where hidden registration plates were involved, believing it emboldens drivers to take deadly risks. Nicola Timmis, daughter of Graham Slinn who was killed by a car with cloned plates, described them as a "gateway drug" to more dangerous behavior.
Panorama's undercover filming revealed the ease and low cost of obtaining illegal plates. Two out of three businesses approached in Essex offered ghost plates, with one selling one for £40 in cash without requiring ID or proof of entitlement, which is legally mandated. While buying a ghost plate is not illegal, using one on a vehicle is.
Since 2020, only two number plate suppliers have been prosecuted and removed from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) register, with only six DVLA officers responsible for auditing thousands of suppliers. The DVLA stated it is working to strengthen compliance and enforcement. Police forces are calling for tighter licensing and regulation of number plate suppliers. The minister responsible for UK vehicle registration, Justin Madders, acknowledged the problem and announced a national plan to tackle illegal number plates, including a new national center for intelligence sharing and technology trials.