IN THE NEWS


WOLVERHAMPTON COUNCIL USING INTELLIGENT CAMERAS TO SPOT ILLEGAL ‘GHOST PLATES’


State-of-the-art technology is


being used by City of Wolver- hampton Council in a bid to catch drivers using so-called ‘ghost plates’. It follows


concerns about an


increase in the use of these infra- red reflective number plates, some-times also known as 3D or 4D plates, which aren’t visible to speed, bus lane or LEZ cameras. It means anyone running the plates on their cars could escape detection from speed cameras and bus lane cameras and therefore be able to avoid fines. The crackdown comes after the reflective plates were seen on vehicles, Wolverhampton Council said. A large operation was recently


carried out around England, including in Wolverhampton and Birmingham city centres, as well as Manchester Airport.


Over 80


licensed taxis and PHVs were checked for illegal plates, with one driver found to be using them. The driver was issued with a £100 fine by police. Council officers have now been handed the specialist cameras for use during patrols. During February and March, a further ten


notices were issued for using the ghost plates. Cllr Craig Collingswood, cabinet member for environment at Wolverhampton City Council, said: “Wolverhampton is leading the way as the first council investing in this state-of-the-art technology to deter and detect offenders. “Bus lanes are essential for the public transport network to operate efficiently and speed cameras help to keep the public safe from speeding vehicles and reduce the likelihood of a crash. “All motorists can expect to pay a fine if found to be using these illegal methods to avoid cameras and taxi drivers licensed by Wolverhampton may have their licence suspended or revoked.”


PHTM JUNE 2024


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