Speed cameras

[marlin]

Earlier this week the "Daily Telegraph" reported that drivers whose cars had number plates that have an "illegal background that prevents identification by traffic enforcement cameras" will shortly fail their MOT on that basis when new rules are introduced later this year.

I had long thought that a MOT failure was already ensured if one submitted a car with number plates that are not strictly in accordance with current rules, although a number of drivers have two sets of plates in order to overcome the MOT (one being legal and one otherwise). Is anyone aware of the type of plates that negate speed camera identification but are presently legal ?

Also, at any gathering of supercars, I often see cars that have clingfilm covering their rear plate. Is there basis in the theory that this might be a camera nullifying device ?

[Boxer]

Originally Posted by marlin

Earlier this week the "Daily Telegraph" reported that drivers whose cars had number plates that have an "illegal background that prevents identification by traffic enforcement cameras" will shortly fail their MOT on that basis when new rules are introduced later this year.

I had long thought that a MOT failure was already ensured if one submitted a car with number plates that are not strictly in accordance with current rules, although a number of drivers have two sets of plates in order to overcome the MOT (one being legal and one otherwise). Is anyone aware of the type of plates that negate speed camera identification but are presently legal ?

Also, at any gathering of supercars, I often see cars that have clingfilm covering their rear plate. Is there basis in the theory that this might be a camera nullifying device ?

I have heard about plates that supposibly reflect the flash back at the camera and therefore "blind" the lens. Never had anyone confirm that they work and all the articles I have seen do not recommend them.

[marlin]

Originally Posted by Boxer

I have heard about plates that supposibly reflect the flash back at the camera and therefore "blind" the lens. Never had anyone confirm that they work and all the articles I have seen do not recommend them.

The plates I refer to in my thread must be effective or else why would the authorities ban them ?

[Boxer]

Originally Posted by marlin

The plates I refer to in my thread must be effective or else why would the authorities ban them ?

Because they do not meet the specifications for a normal license plate.

[marlin]

Originally Posted by Boxer

Because they do not meet the specifications for a normal license plate.

Assuming you not to be British (who spell "licence" without an S, unlike North Americans and some other nations), may I please tell you that the British police are very stringent when it comes to applying the laws that govern the specifications of motor vehicle number plates; they will stop cars and check number plates for their legality. In addition to that there are mandatory annual mechanical checks made by government licensed garages on vehicles over three years old and this check includes inspecting the number plates for conformity, although many motorists who like a licence plate type that is NOT legal will often take the illegal plate off before this inspection and temporarily substitute with a legal type in order to pass this test. The above scenario has applied for many years.
What I am curious about is exactly what type of plate is used by some motorists that is currently accepted as being legal but has prevented speed cameras from identifying the registration number, and only NOW is being threatened with the likelihood of being made illegal in the future.