Ghost Plates, Detection and Capture
What Are Ghost Plates?
Ghost plates are vehicle number plates deliberately altered to evade Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems. Modifications include reflective sprays or films applied across the plate, characters designed to avoid camera capture, and deliberate obstruction using numerous materials. These plates are inexpensive—available online for around £30—yet create significant enforcement challenges.
Why Detection Matters
Ghost plates result in substantial revenue losses from ULEZ, congestion charges, and parking penalties—estimated at £50 million annually in London alone. More critically, they enable offenders to avoid accountability for speeding, running red lights, drink driving, and other serious traffic violations. Organised Crime Groups also use them to avoid detection and tracking.
Detecting and addressing illegal plates supports the newly released Roads Safety Strategy and strengthens the integrity of existing enforcement infrastructure.
The Solution: SenseTrace AI
SenseTrace AI is NOW Wireless’s advanced analytics platform designed to detect and record Ghost and Stealth plates in real time. The system integrates with existing CCTV and ANPR networks, using AI-driven data comparison to identify discrepancies between captured plate images and official vehicle records. This means existing infrastructure does not have to be replaced.
The platform does more than simply read number plates—it identifies when a plate is illegal and enables appropriate enforcement action. Real-time, time-stamped alerts allow traffic control teams and rapid response units to intervene immediately. Reports can also be generated for follow-up notifications to registered vehicle owners.
How It Works
- Capture: Live CCTV and ANPR data streams
- Analyse: AI compares captured plates with vehicle registration data
- Detect: Flags potential Ghost and Stealth plates instantly
- Alert: Notifies traffic control teams in real time
- Act: Officers intercept vehicles or issue enforcement notices
Operational Validation
On Friday 25th July, a three-hour operation was carried out by Surrey Police involving police control room staff and six traffic officers. During the operation, 16 Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) were issued, with no false positives recorded. Five additional operations since July have delivered similar results, confirming accuracy and operational reliability.
Use Cases and Outcomes
- Passive Intelligence Gathering: Builds a database of vehicles using illegal plates; supports Fixed Penalty Notices and warning letters.
- Live Surveillance: Enables immediate identification and officer deployment.
- Historic Analysis: Identifies hotspots, such as ULEZ or congestion charge zones.
Impact
SenseTrace AI enhances road safety by increasing accountability, reducing criminal misuse of vehicles, and supporting enforcement against traffic violations. It also prevents revenue loss from drivers deliberately avoiding charges.
Illegal number plates undermine the systems designed to keep roads safe and secure.. SenseTrace AI integrates seamlessly with existing ANPR networks to detect the undetectable—providing police and councils with a proven, effective solution.