Rochdale MP Paul Waugh has co-sponsored a new Parliamentary bill to crack down on “ghost” car number plates used by drug dealers, hit-and-run drivers, terrorists and other criminals to hide their identities from the police.

Rochdale Trading Standards and police have led the country in exposing how ghost plates use 3D or 4D lettering to avoid detection from police cameras. Rochdale’s “Operation Ghost” toured the country, using infrared cameras to identify these plates – even finding some in the DVLA car park.

The Vehicle Registration Offences Bill, a 10-Minute Rule Bill led by Sarah Coombes MP would increase fines and introduce penalty points for those who use ghost plates.

Mr. Waugh has long campaigned for tougher penalties on drivers who alter their number plates to escape detection, arguing that current fines do not go far enough in deterring dangerous driving.

Following the bill’s introduction in the House of Commons, Mr. Waugh said:

“Drivers who manipulate their number plates are putting lives at risk. They believe they can speed, run red lights, and drive without insurance, without consequence. This is not just a minor offence—it’s a threat to public safety.

“I am proud to be the co-sponsor of this bill to increase penalties. We need to send a clear message that tampering with number plates to evade enforcement will not be tolerated.”

The bill proposes raising fines from the current £100 to £1,000 and introducing at least six penalty points for offenders. Mr. Waugh and other campaigners argue that this is necessary to prevent a growing road safety crisis.

Rochdale’s Leadership in Tackling Ghost Plates

This latest push for stronger enforcement follows Rochdale’s groundbreaking Operation Ghost, which was recently honoured for its innovative use of infrared technology to detect and combat illegal ‘ghost plates.’ Working alongside Rochdale Trading Standards and Greater Manchester Police, the operation has led to the seizure of numerous illegal plates and actions against suppliers distributing these devices.

Mr. Waugh has been a vocal supporter of Operation Ghost, stating: “This initiative is a testament to the power of innovative technology and multi-agency teamwork. I am committed to ensuring this work leads to necessary legislative changes.”

Rochdale’s enforcement leadership also extends to Operation Vigilant, which aims to protect children from exploitation through the illegal vape and tobacco trade. The initiative, along with the pioneering work of Pippa, Britain’s first illegal vape sniffer dog, has gained national recognition.

The national conversation on number plate misuse has also been reinforced by former surveillance camera commissioner Tony Porter, who stated: “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.”

With growing calls for reform, Mr. Waugh has pledged to work with the government, MPs and campaigners to ensure that action is taken to close legal loopholes and hold offenders accountable.