Rochdale MP Paul Waugh has welcomed a promising response from government ministers following his continued campaign to ban dangerous “ghost” car number plates—used by criminals to avoid police detection.

Last week in the House of Commons, Mr. Waugh praised Rochdale’s award‑winning Trading Standards team, highlighting officers Darren Hughen and Dennis Chalmers, who presented their pioneering Operation Ghost in Parliament. The initiative uses infrared technology to detect so-called ghost plates—number plates altered with 3D, 4D, or gel lettering to obscure their appearance to ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras.

These modified plates are increasingly used by individuals involved in serious criminal activity—such as drug trafficking, child sexual exploitation, and hit-and-run offences—to evade police detection.

During the Commons session, Mr. Waugh asked the Leader of the House, Lucy Powell MP, to support the campaign. She responded:

“The campaigning has been fantastic to really highlight the problem … I know the Transport Ministers are looking at it.”

Mr. Waugh, who co‑sponsored the Vehicle Registration Offences Bill with Labour colleague Sarah Coombes MP earlier this year, said:

“This is a public safety issue, plain and simple. Ghost plates are being used by child drug dealers, people traffickers and other criminals to escape justice. Rochdale has led the way in exposing this national scandal, and now the government must act.”

“It was a privilege to welcome Darren Hughen and Dennis Chalmers to Parliament and shine a spotlight on their incredible work. I’m encouraged that Ministers are now listening—and I won’t stop pushing until ghost plates are outlawed.”

The proposed legislation would raise fines from £100 to £1,000 and impose at least six penalty points for those using or manufacturing illegally modified number plates. Campaigners—including former surveillance camera commissioner Tony Porter—warn such changes are vital to deter criminals.

Rochdale’s Operation Ghost continues to earn national acclaim. The same Trading Standards team also leads Operation Vigilant, tackling the illegal vape and tobacco trade and supporting child safeguarding through innovative tools like Pippa, Britain’s first illegal-vape-sniffer dog.

Mr. Waugh added:

“We’re lucky in Rochdale to have some of the most forward‑thinking and effective enforcement teams in the country. I’ll continue fighting in Parliament to ensure their work drives the national change we need.”