Arundel and South Downs MP, Andrew Griffith, has welcomed a key victory in his fight against anti-social motorcyclists and drivers who seek to evade being caught by speeding or sanctions for anti-social driving by using illegal car numberplates.
Andrew previously presented his Vehicle Registration Offences (Penalty Points) Bill to the Commons in 2020. This introduced a change in the law to make it an endorsable offence leading to penalty points for keeping and using a vehicle with a number plate which does not meet the legal requirements.
The current penalty of a mere fine of £100 fails to act as a strong enough deterrent with law breakers acting with impunity.
Today, in its new ‘Road Safety Strategy’ the government has adopted the MP’s proposal (page 40) committing to an official consultation on introducing this measure and backing it with the sanction of potential vehicle seizure.
Local Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood said: ''As part of our Road Safety Strategy we will consult on introducing penalty points and vehicle seizure for those caught with illegal plates."
Andrew Griffith MP said:
“I am pleased that the government have listened to my campaign on this and now recognise that changes to the law are needed to make all licence plates compliant or face harsher penalties as I have called for.
Representing a constituency with some of the most dangerous roads in West Sussex, it is important that every rider or driver is held to account for their road safety standards. Points on your licence leading to disqualification and vehicle seizure will definitely help make rural roads safer, and this change will certainly support this.”
