MP calls for illegal ‘ghost’ number plate crackdown to feature in updated taxi licensing guidance
- Perry Richardson
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
The Department for Transport (DfT) is evaluating the need to update its ‘Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Licensing Best Practice Guidance’ to address concerns around ‘ghost’ vehicle registration plate regulations.
This follows an inquiry from Sarah Coombes, Labour MP for West Bromwich, regarding the inclusion of such guidance.
Simon Lightwood, Minister for the Department for Transport, acknowledged the offence of displaying non-compliant registration plates. He noted ongoing efforts to quantify the prevalence of illegal plates on UK roads, including those on taxis and private hire vehicles. The evidence collected will inform potential future actions, such as amending the best practice guidance to tackle this issue.
In a related response to Coombes’ query about enforcement discussions with taxi licensing authorities, Lightwood highlighted awareness of ‘ghost plates’ used on vehicles, including taxis and private hire vehicles. He emphasised the expectation for licensing authorities to collaborate with police to address this matter.
The ‘Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Licensing Best Practice Guidance’ was last updated on 17 November 2023. It serves as a resource for local licensing authorities in England, offering recommendations on various aspects of taxi and private hire vehicle licensing.
The potential inclusion of registration plate compliance aims to enhance enforcement and ensure that all vehicles adhere to legal standards, thereby improving safety and accountability within the taxi and private hire sectors.
Simon Lightwood, Minister Department for Transport, said: “It is an offence for any vehicle to display a vehicle registration number plate that does not comply with the relevant regulations. Work is ongoing to quantify the number of illegal plates that may be in circulation on our roads, which will include taxis and private hire vehicles. The evidence gathered will be considered when evaluating potential future action, such as amending the best practice guidance, that may be taken to address this issue.”
