There are thousands of illegal number plates on UK roads, a BBC Panorama investigation has found.
The registration plates, also known as ghost plates, mean that ANPR cameras are unable to pick up the correct plates, meaning criminals can avoid being flagged by the system.
ANPR cameras are not only used to track motorists’ speed and keep a watch on criminals, but they also enforce low emission zones.
A new system is being tested on some motorways in the south east of England and an average of 1,000 ghost plates were reported per day across several months near the Dartford Crossing outside London by MAV Systems which is one of the UK’s main providers of ANPR technology.
ANPR cameras are used for detecting criminals, enforcing low emission zones and monitoring the speed of vehicles (Image: Getty)
Two more test sites have been used for nearly two years, including one near the M25 where almost 2,000 ghost plates have been detected per day.
The other, which is located near the Eurotunnel in Folkestone, has recorded more than 400 a day.
What are ghost plates and what do they look like?
Ghost plates, also called stealth plates, are registration plates that give ANPR cameras reduced visibility of what the plate says, making it easy for criminals to avoid being recognised by their number plates.
When out and about, you won’t spot ghost plates because they aren’t any different to the naked eye, however, they look different to ANPR cameras.
The cameras don’t see the full number plate because they are made from a different plastic, which is pale under any infrared light, such as the cameras.
This means if some or all letters are distorted, a number plate can’t be fully recognised by the typical cameras, however, the new systems at the testing sites are able to catch them.
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How are ghost plates different to cloned plates?
Cloned plates are placed on vehicles and mean that more than one vehicle is on the road with the same number plates, but only one is legally allowed to be there.
Ghost plates are different because they show the correct registration of the vehicle but are difficult for ANPR cameras to detect.
Both varieties look normal when looking at them with the naked eye.
BBC says buying ghost plates is ‘easy’ and ‘cheap’
During the investigation, the BBC reports that its undercover team noticed "how easy and cheap it is to buy plates without any background checks."
Panorama visited a market stall in Essex and filmed secretly when they were issued, with a ghost plate with no ID needed.
The team also wasn’t asked if they were allowed to use them, which the BBC says, alongside proof of ID, is legally required.
They were able to buy them for £40 and were given new ghost number plates in just eight minutes.
Drivers only break the law once the plates are put on a vehicle that is then driven on UK roads, as buying them alone is not illegal.
The police and DVLA also visited ghost plate sellers with Panorama to conduct their own investigations.
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Can you be fined for using illegal number plates?
The RAC explains the consequences for drivers with illegal number plates: "Driving with an obscured plate can result in a fine of up to £1,000, and your car may fail its MOT if the plate cannot be read clearly.
"In more serious examples, or where the driver is a repeat offender, it could lead to further penalties."
However, the company said drivers using ghost plates are fined £100 if they are caught and won’t receive any penalty points.
Were you aware of ghost plates and how they differ from cloned plates? Let us know in the comments below.