The government is considering harsher penalties for motorists using 'ghost' number plates designed to evade speed and bus lane cameras. These illegal plates, also known as 3D or 4D plates, have been described as a 'staggeringly simple' way to defeat Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems, according to former Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner Professor Fraser Sampson.
As part of a major review of motoring offences, the Department for Transport is exploring whether police should have the power to impose penalty points and seize vehicles immediately when drivers are caught using false plates or those intended to fool cameras. The consultation on the government's Road Safety Strategy closed last week, with responses now being analysed.
Professor Sampson previously warned that the ANPR system relies on a 'humble number plate' affixed to vehicles, which represents a 'single and readily assailable point of failure'. He noted that offenders clone number plates, apply reflective tape, and acquire 'stealth plates' to avoid speeding tickets and low-emission zone fees.
Lilian Greenwood MP, who introduced the strategy, stated that the changes aim to reduce deaths and serious injuries on UK roads, which saw 1,602 fatalities and 27,865 serious injuries in 2024. She said: 'There is no silver bullet... Real progress will come when a range of measures work together.'
The consultation highlighted concerns from police and road safety groups that some offences currently lack extra penalties such as penalty points or vehicle seizure. The strategy notes that offenders often go to great lengths to hide vehicle ownership, making it harder for police to keep the public safe.
