Department for Transport responds – and says it is considering harsh new penalties as part of Road Safety Strategy
The Department for Transport has given an update on MOT tests and new government plans, which could see an increase in points on driving licences and the potential for cars being seized instantly. In a new intervention, an MP asked if number plate verification could be a formal part of the MOT test.
It comes as the government is considering harsh new penalties for offences – including using ‘ghost’ number plates to avoid speed cameras and ANPR. The Department for Transport is considering stricter penalties for a range of offences — including failing to possess a valid MOT, driving without insurance, instances where a vehicle owner cannot be identified, and the use of ‘ghost’ or cloned number plates.
Police forces and road safety bodies have raised concerns with the government that certain offences do not attract enough sanctions, such as penalty points or vehicle confiscation. Tory Sir Julian Lewis
asked the Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander: “What steps she will take to help tackle the use of vehicle number plates which are (a) false or (b) unreadable by automatic number plate recognition technology, with regard to (i) increasing penalties for (A) using and (B) supplying such plates, (ii) including number plate verification as a component of MOT tests, (iii) requiring number plate suppliers to be subject to criminal record checks and other background screening, and (iv) supplying police forces with appropriate detection equipment and training.”
In answer, Justin Madders, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, explained that the DfT is considering the responses to the Road Safety Strategy plans to increase the penalties. In the new reply yesterday (Sept 7) he said: “The Government recognises the impact of number plate crime and is committed to addressing this issue. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) works closely with police forces and the National Police Chiefs’ Council to improve the identification and enforcement of number plate crime.
“In its Road Safety Strategy published on 7 January 2026, the Government set out its vision for a safer future on our roads for all. As part of this, the Department for Transport is reviewing motoring offences and has sought views on the introduction of penalty points and vehicle seizure for the offence of being in charge of a motor vehicle with an incorrect, altered or false number plate. The consultation closed on 11 May and responses are being considered.
“A visual inspection of a vehicle’s number plate is already included as part of the MOT test. The test checks front and rear number plates for security, legibility, visibility and legal conformity.”
The DVLA is also considering options to ensure a more robust, auditable Register of Number Plate Supplier process, which would enable tighter checks on number plate suppliers and the plates they supply. Options being considered include reviewing fees, scheme structure, resources and funding.
“The DVLA offers support and training for police forces on the illegal display and supply of number plates. In addition, the Department for Transport is funding a new National Roads Policing Coordination Centre, which brings together police forces from across England to share intelligence, improve collaboration and make better use of data. Its work includes stepping up enforcement against illegal number plates and trialling new technology to help detect plates designed to evade cameras.”
In the Road Safety Strategy the then Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Local Transport said the proposals were intended to reduce deaths and serious injuries on the road — while ensuring police have the appropriate powers to reflect the seriousness of offences. She stated in a foreword to the consultation: “In 2024, there were 1,602 deaths on our roads – an average of around 30 a week, or 4 to 5 per day. There were also 27,865 serious injuries on our roads. Although the UK has some of the safest roads in the world, these figures remain far too high, and this government does not accept that these deaths and serious injuries are inevitable.
“With the number of UK road deaths having plateaued since 2010, it’s clear that strong, decisive action is long overdue. The government recognises the need to take action now to reduce casualties and damage on our roads. There is no silver bullet of one measure that will drastically reduce road death. Real progress will come when a range of measures work together, systematically and consistently, towards a common goal.”
The policy explores multiple areas including drink and drug driving, medical fitness to drive – including mandatory vision tests for those aged over 70 and non-compliance with seatbelt regulations. One element being examined relates to incidents which may warrant tougher penalties.
The consultation noted: “Police and road safety groups have told the government they are concerned that some offences do not carry extra penalties, such as penalty points or vehicle seizure.”
These include offences related to:
- a vehicle’s roadworthiness (no MOT)
- where no current keeper is identifiable
- incorrect, altered or false number plates that prevent justice from being done
The policy indicates the change is required as criminals are taking advantage of legal loopholes. It explained: “It’s harder for police to identify who is using a vehicle because some offenders go to great lengths to hide who owns it or who was driving – this makes it harder for the police to keep the public safe and pursue offenders.
“There is a significant amount of evidence of disguising a vehicle’s true ownership to avoid compliance with vehicle excise duty requirements and other payment requirements for the use of certain roads. This places an additional burden on those law-abiding drivers when revenue shortfall to the treasury due to fraud has to be made up.
“The police currently have the powers to seize a vehicle from those driving whilst uninsured, or not in accordance with their driving licence. The use of this power has to be proportionate and allows police to use their discretion not to seize where they feel that is an appropriate decision based on the merits of each situation.”
