Meeting the Ghost plates challenge

In this Project EDWARD First Friday discussion with Redspeed International, we examine the latest efforts to detect and deter illegal “ghost plates” on the UK’s roads. Hosted by James Luckhurst of Project EDWARD, the session took place at 08:30 on Friday 16 October.

Ghost plates – typically altered with transparent or reflective materials to frustrate camera enforcement – undermine ANPR, enable drivers to evade road-user charges and penalties, and can help conceal wider criminal activity. The issue has moved sharply up the national agenda: last month, the Department for Transport announced funding for the new National Roads Policing Coordination Centre, bringing police forces in England together to share intelligence, data and technology, including trials of specialist detection equipment.

Tom Duckham of Redspeed International explored the technology challenge and the potential for enforcement systems to identify plates designed to defeat conventional cameras.

Superintendent Matt Willmott, NPCC lead for ghost-plate work, outlined the policing response, operational learning and developing national approach.

Steve Gooding, Director of the RAC Foundation, considered the wider road-safety, policy and public-interest implications.