DVLA Tackles Cloned Plate Issues

The Rise of Cloned Number Plates and Unfair Parking Fines

In December 2022, Reading resident Ben King was bewildered to receive a stream of parking fines, citing infractions in central London and imposing steep penalties. The perplexity arose from the reality that King had never operated a vehicle in London—his rented car had remained parked near his residence, approximately 65 kilometers away. He had unwittingly fallen victim to “car cloning,” a criminal scheme involving the duplication of license plates. A BBC investigation uncovered a sharp rise in annulled Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) linked to fraudulent plates. In response, the DVLA, in coordination with law enforcement and other organizations, is striving to enhance the identification and prosecution of such violations.

How Car Cloning Works

Offenders illicitly obtain or replicate license plates from other vehicles, frequently selecting cars that resemble their own. This enables them to commit traffic infractions without repercussions, shifting the burden onto unsuspecting owners. Victims often remain unaware of the fraud until they receive unforeseen penalty notices. A BBC inquiry, utilizing Freedom of Information requests to London boroughs (excluding Havering and Richmond), uncovered a sharp surge in rescinded Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) linked to cloning over a three-year span. The number of cases escalated from 22000+ in ‘21 to 36000+ in ‘23. Concurrently, the overall issuance of PCNs rose by 20%. Disturbingly, citations associated with cloned vehicles comprised nearly 2% of all parking violations in certain boroughs, with Hackney exhibiting the highest proportion, approaching 2%.

Ben King's Six-Month Ordeal

The incident subjected King to a grueling six-month struggle, with the looming risk of almost £1,000 in penalties and possible enforcement measures by bailiffs. The ordeal began with several parking tickets from Redbridge, followed by five more from Newham Council—boroughs he had never visited, except by public transport. The situation proved incredibly stressful, causing sleepless nights for King and his family as they sought ways to appeal and avoid the substantial penalties.

Proving his innocence presented a considerable challenge. As someone who worked from home, he lacked conventional workplace attendance records to confirm his location. Despite providing CCTV footage showing his car parked outside his home during the alleged offences, the authorities dismissed his evidence. While Newham Council expressed sympathy for cloning victims and a willingness to cancel charges with sufficient documentation, they deemed King’s evidence inadequate. A Redbridge spokesperson echoed this sentiment, claiming King failed to provide adequate verification of his cloning claim.

Image Credit - BBC

Ulez Expansion: A Potential Catalyst for Car Cloning

The escalation of vehicle identity fraud appears to coincide with the expansion of ULEZ, a debated policy that imposes fees on high-emission vehicles operating within the city limits. The August 2023 enlargement extended the zone to cover all of Outer London. A separate Freedom of Information inquiry to Transport for London revealed a significant 69% rise in revoked Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) attributed to cloning within the first five months post-expansion.

Experts suggest a possible link between ULEZ and the increase in fraudulent plate use, as offenders exploit duplicated registrations to evade charges. Jonathan Grigg of Queen Mary University of London, a member of the Committee on Medical Effects of Air Pollution, observed a minor yet noticeable association between ULEZ and the prevalence of cloned plates, based on publicly available records. He asserted that the implementation of ULEZ likely contributed to a spike in illicit cloning across Greater London by those seeking to circumvent financial penalties.

Escalating Threat of Cloned Number Plates Challenges DVLA Oversight

Obtaining fraudulent number plates is disturbingly straightforward. A BBC reporter in London managed to secure a plate from a UK-based vendor through Amazon in only two days, without furnishing any verification of lawful ownership. This effortless accessibility poses grave risks of exploitation. Rob Laugharne, chairman of the British Number Plate Manufacturers Association (BNMA), cautions that regulatory oversight of vehicle compliance is approaching a crisis, with mobility management frameworks facing substantial vulnerabilities. He points to the widespread use of Ulez systems and the increasing reliance on remote and online policing as factors exacerbating the situation and pushing it beyond the DVLA's control. Laugharne argues that the DVLA is struggling to keep pace with the escalating threat posed by cloned plates, characterizing the problem as spiralling out of their grasp.

The DVLA's Response and Law Enforcement Efforts

DVLA officials assert that they are proactively addressing license plate forgery in collaboration with the NPCC and other organizations. Their aim is to enhance regulatory oversight mechanisms and reinforce law enforcement initiatives. In reaction to the rise in voided fines linked to cloning, the Metropolitan Police have concentrated on regions notorious for fraudulent plate activity. From June 2022 to June 2023, intelligence data and victim testimonies facilitated 217 effective confiscations, apprehensions, and follow-up measures in 464 cloning-related incidents throughout London, signifying a substantial effort to tackle the problem.

Transport for London's Perspective on Ulez and Cloning

Transport for London (TfL), which administers the Ulez, addressed concerns about potential increases in cloning-related violations due to the zone's expansion. TfL states that cloning is a crime policed and prosecuted through established legal processes. They regard such occurrences as rare, highlighting that merely 0.4% of all distributed Penalty Charge Notices have been revoked owing to vehicle duplication since 2020. This proportion has remained stable, and TfL policy dictates that enforcement ceases once proof of cloning is provided. 

Navigating the Cloned Plate Crisis: Protecting Yourself and Your Vehicle

The escalating problem of car cloning, fueled partly by the expansion of initiatives like the ULEZ, demands proactive measures from vehicle owners. The ease with which criminals obtain fraudulent plates, coupled with the often arduous process of proving innocence, leaves many feeling vulnerable. This segment provides guidance on protecting oneself from becoming a victim and steps to take if a vehicle's identity is compromised.

Image Credit - BBC

Prevention is Key:

Enhanced Security Measures: Consider investing in tamper-proof screws for number plates to deter theft. Parking in well-lit, secure areas whenever possible can also minimize risk.

Vigilance and Reporting: Regularly inspect number plates for any signs of tampering. Report any suspicious activity or unfamiliar vehicles displaying a similar make, model, and color as your own to the police.

DVLA Awareness: Keep DVLA informed of any changes in vehicle ownership or address to maintain accurate records. This can be crucial in proving ownership and challenging fraudulent activities.

Due Diligence When Purchasing: If buying a used vehicle, thoroughly check the DVLA V5 document and verify the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) against the vehicle itself. Discrepancies may indicate cloning.

What To Do If Your Car Is Cloned:

Report to Police: Immediately report the crime to your local police force and obtain a crime reference number. This is essential for any subsequent actions.

Notify the DVLA: Contact the DVLA to inform them of the cloned plates and provide the crime reference number. They will update their records and potentially issue a new registration number.

Challenge Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs): Contact the issuing authorities of any PCNs you receive and explain the situation. Provide them with the crime reference number and any evidence supporting your claim, such as CCTV footage, dashcam recordings, or witness statements. Be persistent and keep records of all communication.

Gather Evidence: Compile as much evidence as possible to demonstrate that your car was not at the location of the alleged offences. This could include photographs showing your car parked elsewhere, GPS data from your phone, or receipts from transactions made at a different location.

Consider Legal Advice: If challenges to PCNs are unsuccessful, seek legal advice to discuss potential next steps, including appeals to independent adjudicators.

Remaining vigilant and taking these proactive steps can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of car cloning and help navigate the process of resolving the issue should it occur. The situation surrounding cloned number plates continues to evolve, and staying informed about the latest advice and regulations is vital.

 The Future of Number Plate Security and the Broader Implications

The rise of car cloning presents not only immediate challenges for vehicle owners but also raises broader concerns about vehicle security and the evolving methods used by criminals. As technology advances, so too do the techniques employed in vehicle-related crime, demanding a proactive and adaptable approach from law enforcement, regulatory bodies, and the automotive industry.

Technological Advancements and Vulnerabilities:

The increasing reliance on keyless entry systems and digital technologies in vehicles, while offering convenience, introduces new vulnerabilities that criminals exploit. Key fob cloning, similar to number plate cloning, allows unauthorized access and theft, highlighting the need for robust security measures from manufacturers and heightened awareness from car owners.

Image Credit - BBC

Strengthening Regulations and Enforcement:

The current regulatory framework surrounding number plates appears inadequate to combat the growing problem of cloning. The ease of obtaining fake plates online underscores the urgent need for stricter regulations regarding the sale and production of number plates. Increased enforcement and collaboration between agencies like the DVLA and law enforcement are crucial to deterring criminals and holding them accountable.

The Role of the Automotive Industry:

Car manufacturers bear a responsibility to integrate robust security features into their vehicles, addressing vulnerabilities in both physical and digital systems. Regular software updates and advanced anti-theft technologies should be prioritized to stay ahead of evolving criminal tactics. Consumers, in turn, should be educated about these features and encouraged to utilize them effectively.

Public Awareness and Education:

Raising public awareness about the prevalence and methods of car cloning is essential. Educating drivers about preventative measures, such as parking securely and being vigilant about online vehicle information, empowers individuals to protect themselves.

The problem of car cloning necessitates a multi-faceted approach involving individuals, law enforcement, regulatory bodies, and the automotive industry. By working together and adapting to evolving threats, the collective effort can significantly mitigate the impact of this crime and ensure greater vehicle security for all.

Combating Car Cloning: A Collective Responsibility

The fight against car cloning requires a concerted effort from various stakeholders, including law enforcement, regulatory bodies, the automotive industry, and individual car owners. Addressing the underlying factors that facilitate this crime, while empowering individuals with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves, is crucial for mitigating the impact of car cloning and fostering a safer automotive landscape.

Law Enforcement and Investigation:

Police forces need specialized training and resources to effectively investigate car cloning cases. This includes expertise in identifying cloned vehicles, tracing their origins, and apprehending the criminals involved. Collaborative efforts between different police forces and international cooperation are essential for tackling organized crime networks engaged in large-scale cloning operations.

Strengthening Legal Frameworks:

The current legislation surrounding number plate production and sales needs strengthening. Tighter regulations, including stricter requirements for verifying the identity of purchasers and mandatory registration of number plate suppliers, could significantly reduce the availability of counterfeit plates. Increased penalties for car cloning offences could also serve as a stronger deterrent. 

Technological Solutions and Innovation:

Technological advancements can play a pivotal role in combating car cloning. Exploring the feasibility of tamper-proof number plates, incorporating unique identification markers into vehicle components, and developing sophisticated tracking systems can enhance vehicle security and aid law enforcement in tracing cloned cars.

Educating and Empowering Car Owners:

Educating the public about car cloning methods and prevention strategies is paramount. Awareness campaigns, online resources, and public service announcements can empower car owners to take proactive steps to protect their vehicles and report suspicious activity.

Industry Collaboration and Best Practices:

The automotive industry, including manufacturers, dealerships, and insurance companies, should collaborate to develop best practices for verifying vehicle identities and preventing cloning. This could include standardized procedures for checking VINs, enhanced record-keeping systems, and improved security measures in vehicle manufacturing.

By addressing car cloning from multiple angles, involving all stakeholders in the solution, and adapting to evolving criminal tactics, the collective effort can significantly reduce the prevalence of this crime and safeguard the interests of car owners.