Major new Instagram and TikTok rule demand to sort out lethal £100 driving loophole
Alarmed MPs have written to TikTok and Meta urging tougher action on so-called ‘ghost’ plates and warning brazen criminals are glamorising them on social media
Social media giants face calls for “swift and decisive” action to deal with so-called “ghost” number plates.
Alarmed MPs warn the plates, which have a coating that prevents them being read by cameras, are being glamorised on sites like Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. In a letter to the companies more than a dozen MPs led by Labour ’s Sarah Coombes said they are widely used by criminal gangs, and brazenly advertised on social media.
A search on Instagram reveals plates being sold by a large number of sellers for around £30. Ms Coombes has warned that those with the dodgy plates face a £100 fine, and no points or bans – less than a speeding ticket.
The MPs wrote: “Ghost and stealth plates enable users to speed, jump red lights and commit other dangerous traffic offences without detection.
“They are also enabling serious organised criminals to transport drugs, stolen goods and victims of human trafficking without detection by the police network of automatic number plate recognition cameras (ANPR). These plates are completely illegal for use on roads and yet are being widely advertised and glamourised on your platform.”
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They warn Meta and TikTok are being used to advertise the sale of ghose number plates. The letter, signed by Labour 13 MPs, states: Alarmingly, they are being used to advertise and facilitate the sale of ghost number plates, which allow reckless drivers to avoid detection, fines and accountability.
“Social media is also a hub for videos glorifying high-speed driving, further encouraging dangerous behaviour.”
Ms Coombes met with representatives from TikTok, who vowed to give advice to moderators to clamp down on posts promoting the plates. The company says it does not allow these posts, and pledged to work with the Government. The Mirror has contacted Meta for comment.
In February Ms Coombes, who has campaigned for the law to be tightened, told the Commons: “There are some selfish people who use our roads as racetracks, who care nothing about risking other people’s lives, and who are evading capture by using dodgy ghost number plates.”
She urged the Government to increase the fines to £1,000 and six points on a licence. Ms said: The current fine of £100 is hardly a deterrent, but a £1,000 fine, the threat of six penalty points and potentially even vehicle seizure or licence disqualification would be ways to clamp down on the use and supply ofghost plates..”
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