During Cheltenham’s November race meet on November 15 last year, a private hire taxi was discovered using illegal ‘ghost’ number plates designed to avoid automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) systems. The vehicle, licensed in Wolverhampton, was inspected by Avon & Somerset Police’s taxi compliance officer alongside a Cheltenham Borough Council licensing officer during a joint enforcement operation.
The investigation uncovered multiple violations: the driver was not displaying his required badge, and the vehicle exhibited ghost plates—unauthorized number plates that help motorists evade camera enforcement and fines. As a result, the police immediately suspended the vehicle’s license and initiated further enforcement measures, referring the matter to the City of Wolverhampton licensing team.
Further review revealed the driver had previously submitted a fraudulent insurance certificate to the licensing authority, compounding the seriousness of the offenses. Consequently, the City of Wolverhampton Council (CWC) revoked both the driver’s and the vehicle’s licenses, deeming the driver unfit to hold any taxi or private hire license. The driver will also be listed on the National Register of Revocations, alerting other licensing authorities should he attempt to reapply elsewhere.
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Councillor Victoria Atherstone, Cheltenham Borough Council’s cabinet member for safety and communities, emphasized the council’s firm stance: “We are committed to ensuring the safety and legality of taxi and private hire services in our town. Ghost plates are illegal, and anyone attempting to deceive authorities or the public will be caught and face serious consequences. This case highlights the effectiveness of our partnership with police and licensing authorities to protect residents and visitors alike.”
Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal from City of Wolverhampton Council echoed this commitment: “Our licensing team works proactively nationwide to uphold standards and conduct joint operations that safeguard the public. We will continue supporting Cheltenham Borough Council in cracking down on illegal practices such as the use of ghost plates.”
PC Quinton, the Avon and Somerset Police taxi compliance officer, praised the majority of compliant drivers while condemning dishonest individuals: “Most taxi and private hire drivers are honest and reliable. Those who act dishonestly, as in this case, should expect thorough investigations and appropriate enforcement actions, regardless of their licensing location.”
This case serves as a strong deterrent against illegal activities that undermine public safety and legal standards within the taxi and private hire industry.