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3.7 million drivers will fail MOT under new test plans

More than 3.7 million motorists could fail their MOT if the test is changed to stop Gatso-busting number plates.

The Department of Transport is hoping to clamp down on drivers who tamper with their number plates in a bid to outfox speeds cameras. If the proposals are agreed more than 3.7 million vehicles could fail their MOT because of illegal number plates.

New research released today by Esure car insurance reveals that more than one in ten UK motorists (11%) have tampered with their vehicle number plate or would consider doing so to avoid being caught by a speed camera.

The survey of 1,000 drivers also showed that one in 12 (8%) would consider using masking tape, mud or even reflective sprays to disguise their number plates, preventing identification by Gatsos. Almost a third of motorists polled admitted that they are aware of the consequences of using illegal methods to cheat speed cameras.

More than a million drivers (4%) have personalised number plates that are intentionally difficult to read or have placed screws in non-standard positions on their registration plates to distort the numbers or letters.

Around 4% of motorists questioned confessed that they have, or would fit their car with, a device such as a laser jammer to prevent their number plates from being detected by traffic enforcement cameras. A further 2% admit that they have or would consider attaching a false number plate to their vehicle.

Mike Pickard, Head of Risk and Underwriting at Esure car insurance, said: 'Getting caught by a speed camera can be costly in terms of fines, penalty points and a subsequent rise in insurance premiums which could explain why some motorists are going to extraordinary lengths to avoid being detected by speed cameras... Cameras can save lives and increase road safety so any measures to improve their effectiveness and stop drivers flouting the law must be welcomed.'

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