Why are registration plates freely available when cloning is such a big problem?

Victims of registration cloning face a nightmare situation, but this will continue to be prevalent in the UK while car accessory shops and dealers continue able to produce plastic plates on demand. I observed a purchase of plates for a trailer recently - no documentation was requested. Many countries issue pressed metal plates produced by the official registration authority under strict controls, and cloning is impossible. Expensive to administer, but the overall benefit is unquestionable.

Asked on 19 January 2013 by DC, Shrewsbury

Answered by Honest John
Tough UK laws over this were introduced several years ago but are simply not enforced because the police don't have the time or manpower. I guess there will be the occasional blitz to paint a picture of action, but that is all. Interestingly, licence plates in the USA are made under top security: by prisoners in jail.
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