Drivers in London are facing a significant crackdown on the use of illegal or cloned registration plates, commonly known as ghost plates, following strong backing from Mayor Sadiq Khan. This move comes in response to a parliamentary report highlighting the growing epidemic that is estimated to cost Transport for London tens of millions of pounds annually in lost revenue.
Mayor Khan Calls for Urgent Action
In a formal response to a question from Caroline Russell of the City Hall Greens, the Labour Party Mayor emphasised the need for urgent measures to curb the proliferation of ghost plates. These plates are often used to evade essential road user charges and airport drop-off fees, undermining the city's transport funding and safety systems.
Parliamentary Report Sparks Concern
The issue was brought to the forefront by a December 2025 report from the All Party Parliamentary Group for Transport, which warned of a sharp increase in the use of illegal and cloned registration plates across the capital. While Mayor Khan noted that the lost revenue figures cited are estimates from the APPGTS rather than official TfL data, he agreed that decisive action is necessary to address this pressing problem.
Enforcement and Technical Solutions
Enforcement against ghost plates primarily falls under police jurisdiction, but TfL is actively collaborating to enhance detection capabilities. Currently, TfL is reviewing and trialling various technical solutions aimed at improving their camera network to better identify illegal registration plates. This initiative is part of a broader effort involving the Metropolitan Police and other stakeholders to combat the issue effectively.
Government and DVLA Involvement
The Government is also taking steps to tackle ghost plates, with the DVLA playing a key role in ensuring compliance. A DVLA spokesperson reiterated their commitment to legal number plate display, stating that they work closely with police and trading standards to take action against non-compliant suppliers. Legitimate suppliers are required to verify ID and entitlement documents before selling plates, and the public is encouraged to report any irregularities to local trading standards.
This coordinated crackdown aims to restore integrity to London's transport systems and recover vital revenue lost to fraudulent practices.
