Drivers caught using illegal “ghost” licence plates that are all-but invisible to speed cameras would face tougher penalties under a proposed change to the law.
The plates, made of reflective material unreadable for police cameras, are being used by some drivers to get away with running red lights, drink driving and ignoring speed limits, a Labour MP claimed. Sarah Coombes said tougher laws are needed to clamp down on “dodgy plates”, according to National Cymru.
The ghost or stealth plates can be bought online for as little as £30 and number plates can also be cloned or made unreadable relatively easily without detection by the authorities.
If drivers are caught using a non-compliant number plate, the fine currently stands at £100, while the minimum penalty for speeding is a £100 fine and three driving licence penalty points.
Calling for tougher punishments, the West Bromwich MP said: “There are a select minority of people who think they are above the law. 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.
“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. Pedestrians and drivers alike deserve to be able to feel safe on the roads. The behaviour of a few reckless drivers is putting us all at risk.
“Clamping down on dodgy plates by toughening up the law is the first step we need to take towards ending this road safety crisis for once and for all.”
Ms Coombes is set to put forward her plan to change the law in the Commons on Wednesday 5 March, using a 10-minute rule motion, although her proposal stands little chance of becoming law unless it is taken on by the Government as part of its new road safety strategy.
