Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has welcomed a nationwide crackdown on illegal number plates.
The government is funding a new National Roads Policing Coordination Centre, which will bring together police forces across England to share intelligence, technology and data.
Officers will target vehicles using cloned, missing or so-called “ghost” plates to avoid detection by cameras.

New technology being trialled includes specialised goggles capable of identifying number plates which have been altered to make them unreadable.
Illegal plates can be used to evade speeding, parking and clean air zone penalties, as well as by organised crime groups transporting illegal goods.
Drivers using an incorrectly displayed number plate can currently be fined up to £1,000.
Mr Gordon said:
“Traffic offences are often seen as lesser crimes but in reality, illegal number plates are the tip of the iceberg for organised crime.
“I get emails every week from residents who just want the roads to be safe.
“It’s good to see a joined-up, coordinated effort to tackle illegal plates across the country. Together, we can make the roads safer for law-abiding drivers and passengers across North Yorkshire.”
The crackdown forms part of the government’s Road Safety Strategy, which has consulted on stronger penalties for drivers using illegal plates and improvements to enforcement.
Roads Minister Justin Madders said:
“We’re cracking down on illegal number plates with new policing resource and innovative tech.
“Illegal number plates are used for crimes from evading parking charges to drug trafficking and we’re stepping in to protect drivers.
“This is a signal to anyone using illegal number plates that their time is up. We will catch you and our roads and streets will be safer for it.”

Spofforth children call for crossing to make school walk safer
Call for Yorkshire Water to return to public ownership after 335 pollution incidents
Harrogate retailers launch Christmas chocolate appeal for local children
Harrogate MP calls for transparency over Linton-on-Ouse asylum plans
Pub near Knaresborough named among top 100 in UK
Knaresborough cricket and football clubs join forces in new partnership
Harrogate Taekwondo Academy wins 13 medals at British championships
New pizza and fried chicken takeaway opens in Harrogate
Comedian Maisie Adam returns to former Harrogate school
190-home Ripon estate proposed with 76 affordable properties
Who will take over Alpamare? Questions remain after Flamingo Land departure
Developer says 140-home Killinghall scheme could help fund village infrastructure
Employment law expo to help Harrogate businesses prepare for changes
Martin House hosts accessible music festival for young people
New hearing hub opens at Specsavers in Ripon
Details revealed for Ripon City Bonfire
Date announced for next Harrogate Food and Drink Festival
Libraries offer light therapy kits to boost mood this winter
Santa to visit Harrogate vets for charity festive open day
Pannal Players announce final pantomime after 40 years


