A motorist on the M6 in Staffordshire was pulled over after police observed them breaking driving laws. The vehicle was followed for over four miles between Junctions 14 and 15 before being stopped at Stafford Services.
Ghost Plates Discovered
Upon inspection, officers found the car was using so-called ghost plates, which are modified number plates designed to evade speed cameras and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems. This practice allows drivers to break road rules without detection. Police noted that ghost plates have become a significant issue on UK roads, with usage surging in recent years.
Additional Offences
The Toyota Alphard also had heavily-tinted front windows, which are illegal. However, the initial reason for the stop was middle-lane hogging. Officers reported that the vehicle remained in the third lane of four for over four miles, despite the inside lanes being clear.
Lane hogging is a common and often misunderstood motorway rule. Many drivers do not realize they should stay in the inside lane unless overtaking. Police reminded motorists that the inside lane is the correct lane for travel when not overtaking.
The driver was reported for the offences. Police stated: "M6 J15 to J14 we observed this lane jogger remain in lane 3 for over 4 miles with nothing in lane 1 and 2. Vehicle stopped at Stafford Services. Upon examining the vehicle we found the front windows were heavily tinted and the VRM were ghost plates. Driver reported."
