Drivers using illegal or deliberately concealed number plates face a new nationwide crackdown, with police set to use specialist technology to identify vehicles that automatic number plate recognition cameras struggle to read.
The initiative is relevant to motorists across Stroud and Gloucestershire because it is being introduced across England rather than being limited to one police force or road network. The Department for Transport is funding a new National Roads Policing Coordination Centre team to bring forces together, share intelligence and improve the use of data.
How the new technology will work
The team will trial specialised goggles designed to identify number plates where attempts have been made to make the registration unreadable to cameras. The technology is intended to help officers detect vehicles that have been deliberately concealed from automatic number plate recognition systems.
Police say vehicles hidden from number plate recognition can be harder to identify when they are stolen or connected to serious offences. Improving detection is expected to help officers track down offenders more quickly and make roads and communities safer, according to the Government.
The crackdown is aimed at drivers using illegal plates to avoid speeding, parking and clean air zone penalties. Authorities also say the practice can be linked to more serious criminality, including organised crime and the movement of illegal goods.
Types of illegal number plate identified
The Government says illegal number plates can take several forms:
- Cloned plates: a vehicle uses the registration belonging to another legitimate vehicle.
- ‘Ghost plates’: transparent film or another method is used to make a registration difficult for cameras to detect.
- Missing plates: a vehicle is driven without a number plate.
Drivers using an incorrectly displayed number plate can face a fine of up to £1,000.
Roads Minister Justin Madders said: “We’re cracking down on illegal number plates with new policing resource and innovative tech.” He added that illegal plates were used for offences ranging from evading parking charges to drug trafficking.
“This is a signal to anyone using illegal number plates that their time is up. We will catch you and our roads and streets will be safer for it.”
Further measures under consideration
Chief Superintendent Marc Clothier, deputy national coordinator for the National Roads Policing Coordination Centre, said the new approach would address road-safety risks and criminality both on and off the roads.
“Through the National Roads Policing Coordination Centre, our mission is to tackle the biggest risks to road safety, enhancing and developing the police response to criminality both on and off the roads.”
Policing and Crime Minister Sarah Jones said illegal number plates were not a victimless offence, arguing that they could help criminals avoid detection, move illegal goods and stay ahead of law enforcement.
The Government is also considering additional measures through its Road Safety Strategy, described as the first in more than a decade. Consultation has included stronger penalties for drivers using illegal number plates, a review of number plate standards and improvements to enforcement.
The latest initiative builds on work already being carried out by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency alongside police forces. That work includes supporting investigations into businesses suspected of being involved in the illegal supply of number plates and assisting with roadside operations.
The announcement was published on September 5, 2026. No Stroud-specific enforcement operation or local police deployment was identified in the supplied report.
