Drivers have been warned they could face prosecution and hefty fines for breaking a major number plate rule under new proposals.
Sarah Coombes, MP for West Bromwich, is set to introduce a new bill into the House of Commons today that would see offenders face harsher punishments for having "ghost plates".
Numerous drivers have used the plates to avoid being caught out by speed cameras for dangerous driving. It works by reflecting light back to the cameras, effectively preventing them from being able to read the licence plate properly.
They can be purchased for as little as £30 and are currently an effective way to avoid being captured by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.
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At present, drivers caught with 'ghost plates' can be fined £100
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The Labour MP has called for the Government to intervene and will introduce new action during her 10-minute rule motion with the Vehicle Registration Offences (Review) being heard by MPs for the first time.
Coombes wants stronger legal action for drivers caught with non-compliant plates including a fine of at least £1,000 and six penalty points on a licence.
The increase in fines would be a whopping 900 per cent more than the current level of £100 and three penalty points.
She told Sky News: "There are a select minority of people who think they are above the law. The behaviour of a few reckless drivers is putting us all at risk. The punishments need to be tougher."
The need for stronger action comes as the newest licence plates are getting ready to be rolled out this week on March 1.
The new "25" plates will be released on Saturday, March 1, with the MP warning that as more drivers look to get the latest plates, they must ensure they purchase legal ones.
Tony Porter, the UK's former surveillance camera commissioner, said: "ANPR and the humble number plate is hot-wired into the UK's road safety.
"If people think, by doctoring their plates, they can speed, drive without due care or without insurance to evade prosecution - then we need to remove this temptation. Innocent members of the public are being put at risk."
Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA explained that drivers found manipulating their number plates in "any way is a serious offence".
"While steps are needed to tackle the root cause of the problem, some feel that a lack of traffic police increases their chances of getting away with such activity," he warned.
A Government spokesperson said: "This Government takes road safety seriously. We are committed to reducing the number of those killed and injured on our roads.
"Since the general election, the Labour Government has begun work on a new road safety strategy, the first in over a decade. Ministers will share more details of the strategy in due course."
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Drivers will see new '25' plates introduced from March 1
PATo have correct number plates, drivers should ensure all characters are in Charles Wright font, with specific measurements for height, width, thickness and spacing.
Only certain flags are permitted on plates this includes the Union Jack, Scottish Saltire, Cross of St. George or Welsh Dragon.
