UK Speed Camera Warning Issued Amid Ghost Number Plate Concerns

Some people use sneaky “ghost” number plates, which are hard for cameras to read. Sarah Coombes, a politician, calls this a serious crime. She also says the current penalties are too light.

Ghost plates use tricky materials or designs to confuse camera systems. Some plates get altered to hide letters and numbers, while reflective stuff can hide details from infrared lights. Such tampering makes it hard to recognize plates.

Coombes acknowledges that most drivers are safe. However, a few think they can break rules and use ghost plates to get away with things. Running red lights and drunk driving are major dangers, and she believes punishments should be stronger.

The RAC Foundation reports that many plates are damaged or hidden, hurting the accuracy of ANPR systems. ANPR and number plates are key for road safety. Tampering can let people speed and drive poorly, helping them avoid consequences. Innocent people face risks because of this.

Ghost plates aren’t just for avoiding speeding tickets. Criminals also use them to dodge tolls and congestion charges. More seriously, it lets them hide from the police.