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Thousands of illegal ghost plates on cars revealed by new cameras: BBC
New ANPR cameras are flagging more than 1,000 ghost plates a day at one test site as ministers launch a national crackdown.
Vehicle registration minister Justin Madders announced a new national centre on September 28, 2026, to combat illegal number plates after testing by MAV Systems recorded more than 1,000 ghost plate detections daily.
Panorama's investigation revealed systemic regulatory gaps: over 34,000 businesses are registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency , but only six officers audit them, allowing investigators to purchase illegal plates for £40 without identification.
Families of victims Jason Wallis and Graham Slinn warn that invisible plates embolden dangerous driving. Sharon Gannon, Wallis's mother, said, "It has broken us all."
Chief Constable Tim Forber warned that organized criminals frequently use cloned plates, urging tighter licensing. The new national centre will unify police forces to share intelligence and trial technologies addressing the illegal plate problem.
Former government advisor Tony Porter criticized current oversight, noting the UK tolerates inexpensive, unsecured plates. With only two suppliers prosecuted since 2020, authorities face pressure to "tackle suppliers who break the rules.