Number plate cloning is becoming a widespread issue across the UK, leading to fines imposed on thousands of innocent drivers, as warned by number plate experts.
Plates4less, a division of VRM Swansea, has raised a red flag after receiving over 50 calls per week from drivers who have fallen victim to plate-cloning criminals and consequently faced fines and legal action.
These cloning activities enable criminals to steal fuel, gain unauthorised access to congestion zones, evade speeding tickets, and indulge in law-breaking activities without being held accountable.
Antony Clark, the Marketing Manager at Plates4less, expressed, “We have been inundated with calls from drivers. There has been a significant surge in number plate cloning over the past two years. We receive between 50 and 100 calls every single week from car owners seeking personalised number plates to dissociate themselves from the cloned registration mark.”
He further explained, “Cover plates are the most economical solution that Plates4less provides, allowing people to change their vehicle’s registration mark with a non-personalised combination.”
Dealing with repeated fines from various enforcement agencies proves to be time-consuming and frustrating for car owners, leading many to opt for plate changes as a swift and cost-effective resolution to the problem.
Based in Swansea, Plates4less is committed to assisting clients from the UK and Northern Ireland in buying and selling private plates.
Antony warned, “There are numerous unscrupulous companies and individuals engaged in the manufacturing and selling of number plates, with many operating on platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Facebook. They neglect to verify if the buyer has the legal right to acquire a set of plates, which is now a legal requirement put in place to assist law enforcement agencies. With over 25 years of experience in this industry, our customers trust us to take care of them, time and again.”
He further emphasised, “We are not about hard selling; our focus is on problem-solving, and we will go above and beyond to assist our customers, particularly after they have fallen prey to criminals, an awful experience for anyone.”
