Criminal drivers are making their vehicles 'invisible' to speed cameras

'INNOCENT MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE BEING PUT AT RISK' 15:02, 23 Feb 2025 People driving dangerously are making themselves invisible to speed and Automatic Number Plate Recognition

(ANPR) cameras by using "ghost" or "stealth" number plates. These plates, crafted with reflective materials, are used to evade police camera technology, which enables

offenders to get away with motoring offences without detection. The practice has provoked growing concerns, with the problem potentially more widespread than initially thought, prompting one

MP to demand tougher punishments for those caught with deceptive plates. Currently, offenders face a £100 fine and avoid penalty points, a far lighter consequence compared to sanctions for

speeding. _READ THE BIGGEST STORIES IN WALES FIRST BY __SIGNING UP TO OUR DAILY NEWSLETTER HERE_ The ease of cloning number plates, making them unreadable or altering them illegally, is

alarming. There is also an increased worry that innocent drivers could be left with significant financial problems if hit by a car with a fraudulent plate not covered by insurance, according

to Birmingham Live. West Bromwich MP Sarah Coombes has taken the concerning issue to Parliament, advocating for stricter action against those using counterfeit number plates. She said:

"This is a serious criminal issue. And at the moment, the penalties for covering up your number plate or changing it in some way is less than what you'd get for a speeding ticket.

"I know that most drivers in West Brom are just trying to get to work or drop their kids off at school. They are safe and careful drivers. But there are a select minority of people who

think they are above the law. Article continues below "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." She further noted:

"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." JOIN THE WALESONLINE WHATSAPP COMMUNITY WalesOnline has launched a

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