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Number Plate News Roundup: UK Regulatory Crackdown and Viral Trends
Recent UK developments are increasingly focusing on the illegal supply, cloning, and “ghost” plates. Furthermore, new regulatory crackdowns are taking place while social media platforms continue to share humorous and clever number plate sightings.
1. Number Plates UK News
Our team at City Centre Plates constantly monitors the latest developments in the industry. As a result of our diligence, we have the following news updates for you.
Amazon Bans Illegal Plate Sales
In a significant move to combat illegal activity, the online marketplace Amazon has ceased selling all standard vehicle registration plates in the UK. This action follows a BBC London investigation that uncovered multiple vendors supplying number plates without verifying buyers’ required ID or entitlement documents. This practice, in turn, facilitates number plate cloning, allowing criminals to evade fines by shifting them to innocent motorists. Subsequently, Amazon removed all illegal listings, and now only allows novelty designs to be sold on its platform.
West Midlands “Ghost” Plate Detection Trial
In a promising two-week pilot program, West Midlands police have successfully detected over 4,000 illegal “ghost” plates. These plates feature a stealth coating designed to defeat ANPR cameras. This pilot was praised by the region’s Police and Crime Commissioner, and the technology is aimed at informing a national roll-out to ensure all vehicles on the road have fully compliant plates.
Camberley Woman Fined Due to Plate Cloning
The human impact of number plate cloning was recently highlighted by the case of a Surrey motorist, Sue Whitehead, who received multiple speeding fines for a car she had never driven. Her plate was cloned in the North East, underscoring the pressing need for stronger enforcement and better protection for law-abiding drivers. At City Centre Plates, we only use premium, high-end components to create our 4D Number Plates and 3D number plates to ensure compliance and security.
MP Calls for Stiffer “Ghost” Plate Penalties
In an effort to further crack down on illegal plates, Labour MP Sarah Coombes (West Bromwich) is pushing for stricter penalties. She is advocating for an increase in the fine for non-compliant “ghost” plates from £100 to £1,000, along with introducing six penalty points. She argues that a “select minority” of road users whose stealth plates evade detection pose a risk to all other motorists.
2. Social Media & Viral Plate Content
On the other end of the spectrum, number plates are a constant source of creative expression and humour on social media. After all, they are a powerful way to add a personal touch to your vehicle.
Trending Twitter Hashtags
On Twitter, users share witty, clever, and sometimes cheeky plates under the term “FUNNYPLATE”. Examples like “HO02RNY” and “RUDEPPLATE” showcase the creativity and occasional controversy of personalised plates. It’s a great reminder that your plate can be a fun extension of your personality. Maybe you’re looking for a replacement number plate that really stands out from the crowd? Check out our standard printed plates today.
Reddit Highlights
Reddit communities often light up with amusing plate sightings. For instance, a UK user recently sparked a lively discussion about a plate that phonetically reads as “Who farted?”. This just goes to show how simple combinations of letters and numbers can lead to a good laugh and hundreds of comments.
All of our findings have been sourced from reputable news outlets and popular social media platforms. We are dedicated to keeping you informed, and more importantly, ensuring you have the highest quality and fully compliant number plates available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are your number plates road legal?
Yes, as a DVLA-registered manufacturer, all of our number plates are fully compliant with UK law. They meet the British Standard (BS AU 145e) for quality and durability, ensuring they are 100% road legal and ready for use on your vehicle. Our commitment to using premium materials and adhering to all regulations means you can drive with complete peace of mind.
What is the difference between 3D and 4D plates?
While both 3D and 4D plates have raised characters, their key difference lies in the manufacturing process. A 3D plate uses a domed gel resin character to create a three-dimensional effect. Conversely, a 4D plate uses solid, laser-cut acrylic characters that are precisely bonded to the plate itself, giving them a more angular, modern look. The 4D plates are often seen as the more contemporary and premium option.
What documents do I need to buy new number plates?
To purchase a new number plate from a DVLA-registered supplier like us, you must provide two forms of identification. The first document must prove your identity (e.g., a driving license or passport). The second document must prove your entitlement to the registration number (e.g., a V5C logbook, V750 certificate, or V778 certificate). It’s crucial to provide these to ensure your new plates are fully legal and prevent cloning.
What should I do if my number plates are stolen?
If you discover that your number plates have been stolen, you must take immediate action. First, you should report the theft to the police and obtain a crime reference number. This reference number is essential for proving that you are not responsible for any potential crimes or fines committed using your stolen plates. Afterwards, you must order a replacement set of plates from a reputable, DVLA-registered supplier like City Centre Plates.