‘All’ drivers who do not have a private license plate are ‘warned’

Drivers who do not have a private number plate are being warned that they are at a high risk of cloning. By using cloned plates, drivers can fool ANPR cameras into thinking they are actually driving a different vehicle and avoid the daily charge and any subsequent fines.

Mark Trimbee, CEO of Regtransfers, warns that personalised designs offer “better protection” and are “less likely to be copied or stolen”. He stresses that private plates are less risky as they “attract attention” on the road, with criminals preferring to fly under the radar.

Speaking to Express.co.uk, Mark explained: “There’s not a lot of data on this, but common sense would suggest that private plates should be less likely to be copied or stolen. They’re more noticeable when you’re on the road and much more likely to attract attention, which is exactly what offenders are usually trying to avoid.

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“Furthermore, it is considerably less laborious to find common, everyday plates to copy, simply by searching for cars of the required make and model around town and writing down their numbers. Given this, it could be argued that a private plate offers better protection against cloning than a regular plate.”

Paul Hill, from National Numbers, highlighted a recent police report which suggested that one in 15 drivers may be using tampered plates. He added: “Cameras are used to monitor drivers’ compliance with the scheme, but there have been more than 1,000 ULEZ cameras stolen or damaged in recent months, with criminal damage cases being pursued in many cases.

”The manufacture and supply of number plates is a regulated activity in the UK. However, unregulated plates can be produced relatively easily, creating an incentive for crime. Individuals with vehicles that do not meet pollution standards are tempted to use cloned plates as a way of avoiding the emissions tax.”