Police are to target drivers using illegal number plates to avoid fines, as well as criminals using them to dodge detection.
A new roads policing team, funded by the Department for Transport (DfT), will help forces share intelligence and use data to identify offenders.
The team will also trial technology including goggles which can detect number plates covered with transparent film to make them harder for cameras to read.
Illegal plates can be used to avoid speeding, parking and clean air zone fines. Police say they are also used in organised crime, including the transport of illegal goods.
Under current legislation, drivers using illegal number plates can be fined up to £1,000.
Roads Minister Justin Madders said: ‘We’re cracking down on illegal number plates with new policing resource and innovative tech.
‘Illegal number plates are used for crimes from evading parking charges to drug trafficking and we’re stepping in to protect drivers.
‘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.’
The National Roads Policing Coordination Centre will oversee the work across England.
Alongside the announcements, the government is also considering tougher penalties and changes to number plate standards as part of its new Road Safety Strategy.
The DVLA and DVSA are already working with police forces to improve the identification and enforcement of illegal plates.
Image: JJ Jordan/UnSplash
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