Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems have revolutionised traffic enforcement and crime prevention, scanning millions of plates daily to catch offenders and enhance road safety. But the rise of ‘ghost plates’ — modified number plates designed to bypass detection — has revealed critical weaknesses in this technology.

It’s been reported that cloning of number plates in the UK has risen sharply as offenders increasingly exploit automatic numberplate recognition (ANPR) systems to evade fees, fines, and tolls, particularly in the expanding network of regulated zones.

The issue is particularly acute in London, where Transport for London issued 36,794 fines to vehicles with cloned number plates in the past year, a sharp increase from 22,450 fines recorded in 2022. Blank, or ‘ghost plates’ are another way of getting around the law, with crafty motorists increasingly using them to avoid being picked up by speed or bus lane cameras.

As criminals exploit these loopholes, authorities are stepping up with cutting-edge solutions to stay one step ahead and protect the integrity of ANPR systems.

What are ghost plates, and how do they work?

Ghost plates are modified number plates designed to evade detection by ANPR cameras. Motorists achieve this through reflective sprays, transparent films, or even subtle alterations to the plate’s characters. The reflective materials can obscure plate details under infrared light, while physical tampering disrupts the software’s ability to recognise numbers and letters accurately.

The challenges for ANPR systems

ANPR cameras are sophisticated, using high-resolution imaging and optical character recognition (OCR) software to detect and read plates under various conditions. Yet, the technology isn’t foolproof:

  • Reflection and glare: Reflective sprays or coatings can bounce infrared light back to the camera, making plates unreadable.
  • Obstruction and tampering: Altering fonts, misaligning characters, or using non-standard designs confuses the OCR software.
  • Environmental factors: Poor lighting, heavy rain, or plate dirtiness further compound detection issues.

Despite ANPR’s widespread use, it is not foolproof. According to the RAC Foundation, approximately one in 12 number plates is either obscured or damaged, which can significantly hinder ANPR accuracy. The technology generally works well when plates are clean and unobstructed, but its effectiveness diminishes when the plates are modified or dirty​.

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In a report from the Road Safety Trust, Professor Fraser Sampson pointed out that current ANPR systems have a 97 per cent accuracy rate, but that still leaves room for evasion. Techniques like applying reflective tape to plates or purchasing stealth plates online have become relatively easy for motorists to access​. This has led to concerns about the increasing use of ghost plates as ANPR reliance grows.

The use of ghost plates isn’t just about avoiding minor infractions like speeding tickets. Criminals use them to evade tolls, dodge congestion charges, and obscure their movements from law enforcement.

The fightback: Technology and enforcement

Authorities are taking a multi-faceted approach to counter the ghost plate problem, combining advanced technology, legislative action, and on-the-ground enforcement.

  • Enhanced camera technology: Councils are deploying new ANPR systems with polarised lenses and multi-angle capture capabilities to counter reflective coatings. Wolverhampton City Council has taken a leading role in this issue, becoming the first local authority to invest in technology and specialised equipment designed to detect illegal plates. This next-generation ANPR technology ensures clearer, more accurate readings even in challenging environments, such as bright lighting or at night, making it harder for ghost plates to evade detection.
  • AI-powered recognition software: Law enforcement agencies are using machine learning algorithms to enhance their ability to spot fake plates. These systems can detect subtle anomalies such as unusual font styles, irregular spacing between characters, or other alterations to the plate’s appearance that would typically go unnoticed by the human eye.
  • Roadside inspections: Police forces are conducting more frequent vehicle checks, where officers use handheld scanners to manually verify the authenticity of number plates. These scanners are equipped to detect discrepancies in the plates’ dimensions, reflectivity, and other markers that indicate tampering. Officers are also being trained to look for signs of vehicle cloning, where ghost plates are often used to mask the identity of stolen or otherwise illegal vehicles.

The government is also considering introducing harsher penalties, with proposals for fines of up to £5,000 or vehicle confiscation for motorists caught using ghost plates.

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Increasing public awareness of the consequences of using ghost plates is crucial. Many drivers are unaware that tampering with plates is illegal and can result in fines or more severe penalties. A survey by Direct Line Insurance found that 42 per cent of drivers didn’t realise modifying or obscuring their plates could lead to legal trouble​.

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Educating drivers on the risks and penalties is becoming a central part of the campaign against this illegal practice.

“It’s essential for drivers to understand that tampering with their plates not only risks fines but also endangers public safety,” said a spokesperson from the Road Safety Trust. “Ghost plates hinder law enforcement’s ability to identify dangerous drivers and vehicles involved in crimes.”

By investing in next-generation technology and strengthening legal frameworks, councils and law enforcement are closing the gap. However, sustained efforts will be needed to ensure that the roads remain safe and accountability prevails.