Cloned vehicle offences hit record high
Over 11,400 drivers reported receiving fines for incidents they did not commit.
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The central claim is attributed to the RAC and DVLA data, with a DfT spokesperson quoted.
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The number of offences linked to cloned vehicles on UK roads has reached an unprecedented level. Last year, more than 11,400 individuals contacted the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) after being issued penalties for incidents they stated they did not recognise or were not responsible for. These cases are largely attributed to vehicle cloning, a practice where a registration plate is fraudulently duplicated for similar vehicles to evade enforcement cameras.
Rising Misattribution Complaints
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According to analysis by the RAC motoring organisation, the number of complaints regarding misattributed offences saw a 9% increase compared to 2024. This figure is almost double that recorded in 2018. The RAC attributes these escalating figures to concerns about the prevalence of illegal number plates, which enable criminals to avoid detection and allow drivers committing offences to escape consequences.
Weaknesses in the System
While drivers are expected to present their V5C vehicle logbook and identification to number plate suppliers, an investigation last year identified more than 130 official suppliers across the UK willing to provide cloned versions. These cloned plates facilitate the evasion of police scrutiny and charges such as congestion fees. Innocent vehicle owners often face difficulties proving their non-involvement when enforcement camera images appear to capture their vehicle committing an offence.
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A related issue is the use of 'ghost' plates, which are designed to be unreadable by the UK's 18,000 automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras. These cameras monitor safety measures like speed limits and lane usage on smart motorways.
Calls for Reform and Government Action
Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, stated that the UK requires an update to its outdated and poorly regulated number plate system. He explained that if suppliers conducted all necessary checks, it would be significantly more challenging for individuals to acquire cloned plates. The realisation of illegal plate usage often only occurs when a fine arrives at the registered keeper's address, indicating someone else is using their registration fraudulently. Williams also called for enhanced measures to identify drivers using ghost plates, suggesting increased police equipment with handheld devices to detect unreadable plates, ANPR camera upgrades, and higher security standards for plates and their producers.
Last month, the government announced a new nationwide initiative to combat illegal number plates. This crackdown will be supported by funding from the Department for Transport and will establish a new roads policing team. A National Roads Policing Coordination Centre is to be created to facilitate intelligence sharing and trial new technologies, including specialised eyewear for detecting unreadable number plates.
A spokesperson for the Department for Transport commented that the government is actively addressing illegal number plates through substantial investment in a new roads policing team and innovative technology to eliminate their misuse. They added that illegal plates aid criminal activity, and the police are being supported to collaborate with the DVLA, making it simpler to report such crimes and assist victims via a new digital tool.
Drivers found using incorrectly displayed number plates can face fines of up to £1,000.
Questions this report answers
+How many drivers were wrongly fined due to cloned vehicles last year?
More than 11,400 drivers contacted the DVLA last year after receiving fines for offences they did not recognise. These incidents are largely attributed to cloned vehicles, where registration plates are duplicated.
+What is vehicle cloning?
Vehicle cloning is a practice where a registration plate is fraudulently copied and placed onto a similar vehicle. This allows the cloned vehicle to evade enforcement cameras and hide criminal activity or traffic violations.
+What action is the government taking against illegal number plates?
The government has announced a new nationwide crackdown on illegal number plates, including funding for a new roads policing team and a National Roads Policing Coordination Centre. They are also trialling new technology to detect unreadable plates.
+What is the maximum fine for using an incorrect number plate?
Drivers who use an incorrectly displayed number plate can be fined up to £1,000. This penalty applies to various forms of incorrect display, including cloned or unreadable plates.
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