Up to two million British motorists could be doctoring their number plates in a desperate bid to avoid being caught out by cameras designed to enforce Ulez zones and speed limits, an investigation has stated.
Former surveillance camera commissioner Tony Porter revealed in a report prepared for British ministers that six per cent of cars had a form of technology to stave off the threat of being caught by automated number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras.
The study was conducted from an ANPR camera trained on a dual carriageway in Gatwick,
It found that 41 out of 683 number plates tested were using some kind of anti-ANPR technology.
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According to this research, one-in-fifteen UK motors may have some form of tech in place to avoid ANPR detection.
According to ‘Mr Loophole’, lawyer Nick Freeman, committing such an offence would be “foolish” as it could result in jail time.
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Speaking to Jacob Rees-Mogg on GB News, he said: “If you tamper with your number plate in any respect to try and avoid the consequences of going through a camera and caught, you will be interviewed and charged.
“People don’t realise how serious number plate tampering is. The courts deal with it very strictly.
“We’re reliant on robotic policing now, and in my view it would be extremely foolish for anybody to tamper with their number plate.
“You will end up eventually landing yourself in deep water, the authorities will catch up.”
The Ulez was expanded on August 29 PAFreeman added that drivers are becoming increasingly frustrated by a lack of a process when it comes to motoring fines, often being slapped with one without any form of consultation.
“It used to be perceived as fair game. If you were caught for speeding 30 years ago, an officer would practice his discretion and you may get a warning”, he said.
“Now it’s robotic, the cameras are literally everywhere and the speed limits are coming down to a level the motorist doesn’t understand.
“We’re living in a decriminalised society for everyone but the motorist.”
Fake number plates can be bought for as little as £10, and their use is expected to rise following the expansion of Ulez (Ultra Low Emission Zone) in London.
Around 40,000 unlicensed sellers are said to be operation, with just six DVLA enforcement officers in place to cover the issue.
Despite a level of angst been reported, Sadiq Khan is confident that Londoners are “with him” on the matter.
It was expanded to the Greater London boundary on August 29, a move that City Hall claims will give five million Londoners cleaner air to breathe in.
