22/01/2026: House of Lords discussion

During a House of Lords session on 22 January 2026, peers raised concerns about the manufacture and use of number plates designed to evade enforcement cameras, including ANPR systems.

• Peers raised concerns about plates marketed to evade ANPR.
• Government confirmed a review of the RNPS scheme and penalties.
• Lords highlighted online sales and low fines; DVLA is assessing both.

The discussion focused on compliance, enforcement, and the robustness of the current regulatory framework.

Lord Snape initiated the debate, asking what steps the Government is taking to prevent the sale of plates “deliberately designed to defeat enforcement cameras”. He highlighted the ease with which individuals can register as a supplier and the scale of the issue, noting that “some 36,000 suppliers” are currently registered.

Responding for the Government, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill acknowledged the seriousness of the issue and confirmed that the DVLA is working with police, enforcement bodies and industry to strengthen compliance. He stated that the Government is reviewing the Registered Number Plate Supplier (RNPS) scheme, including application checks, inspections and audit processes. He also referenced work within the wider Road Safety Strategy, which includes proposals to review number plate standards, enforcement mechanisms and penalties.

Peers raised further concerns about the low penalty level for non‑compliant plates, with Lord Snape observing that a £100 fine may be seen as “a better bet” than insuring a vehicle. Lord Jones of Cheltenham asked whether the Government was engaging with major online retailers to curb the sale of illegal plates. Lord Hendy confirmed that online sales form part of the DVLA’s review.

The discussion reflects sustained parliamentary interest in ensuring that number plate regulation remains effective, enforceable and aligned with modern detection technologies, while supporting legitimate suppliers and maintaining public confidence in the registration system.

Full details available via Hansard: https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2026-01-08/debates/EFA334FC-BB85-42AD-819D-11DBB0195A1D/RoadSafetyStrategy