What does everyone think of SAFEPLATE?

[Forky]

I heard about safe plate a while back but have only just got around to looking it up. As far as i can tell it is a specially formulated substance that you spray over your number plate, and it claims to reflect the flash of speed cameras thus not being able to read your number plate which means no fine!!!!

It is also claims to be 100% legal!!!

does anyone know anything about this? is it really legal? does it actually work? do you think it is a good or bad idea?

i didnt include a web link as there seems to be loads of sites about this, just type in safeplate into google and see what you lot think.

[old-git]

A few months ago I spent a couple of hours at the Essex Police traffic centre in Billericay, Essex. One of the sections we looked at was the camera enforcement team.

NONE of the so called sprays work. They showed us an example of a picture of a sprayed plate. Yes, it was overexposed and the number couldn't be read. However, they then reversed the image (made a negative copy) and hey presto! there was the number, plain as day The only thing that works is mud, but that is a pull anyway.

Besides, even if they did work, they wouldn't really help us guys driving modified vehicles. You have made your vehicle different, so you are easy to track down. Even so called standard cars are rarely identical - stickers, badges, scratches, aerials, roof racks, etc. If they want you, they will get you!

Don't trust your licence to the hype.

[Forky]

thats the one thing i always wondered, if they could use a negative, but i was told that it still cant be seen. I suppose with all the high tech computer software out there theres nothing stopping them from finding out the number.

although i was also told that even though they can reverse the image and see the number, half the time they don't bother as it takes up to much time a money.

i agree there are lots of other unique features on most cars that could catch you out, i wouldn't trust it as you say

has anyone actually tried this out, or got it?

[HDi fun]

I've been examining the legal situation with regard to speed cameras since 1992. There's been a load of products available which claim to to render you plate illegible to such cameras.

There is some truth in it - if your rear plate is coated with a substance that reflects light from the camera's flash in many directions you might just gain an advantage. Curiously, the sellers of such substances are not willing to provide hard evidence. They certainly are not willing to drive past speed cameras to prove the worthiness of their products.

It's so sad that those of us who register, tax an insure our cars are the easiest targets. Well, we would be, cos we've already paid and owned up to being owner/drivers.

I advise that you don't use any product that is sold to make your number plate illegible.

If you're challenged and have to go to court you need to ask the prosecution (usually the Crown) to demonstrate that it's evidence is of significance.

[old-git]

Quote by Forky "although i was also told that even though they can reverse the image and see the number, half the time they don't bother as it takes up to much time a money"

Don't you believe it! It took the guy around 10 seconds to read the number

Also, the cops are only human (despite rumors to the contrary) and get as pissed of with idiots as we do, so there is an incentive to catch the smart asses who think they can get a way with it.

if you don't like the rules, don't play the game

[HDi fun]

Reversing the image is dead simple and dead cheap and dead quick.

It's also dead illegal as no enhancement of the image is permitted.

[old-git]

Originally Posted by HDi fun

Reversing the image is dead simple and dead cheap and dead quick.

It's also dead illegal as no enhancement of the image is permitted.

Checked this with the police

My question:
Hi Martin
Do you still deal with daft queries from the public?

If so, what is the situation with regard to camera number plate reading and sprays?

I assume that any method that attempts to disguise the plate is illegal?

When attempting to read plates from cameras, is it allowed for the police to enhance the image in order to read the number (reverse it, add contrast, etc)?

Martin's reply:

Steve,
Simple answer Yes !

Only kidding, The use of spray doesn't actually work, we do have approved programmes ( Approved by ACPO )on our computer based systems that can reverse/enhance an image to assist in the identification of a vehicle. we sometimes use more than the registration mark to identify vehicles i.e., badges company logos repairs etc.


Pc Martin ROSE
Traffic Law Instructor
Essex Police College
Ednet 53635
Tel 01245 452779
email martin.rose@essex.pnn.police.uk

Thuis guy is very helpful and will answer all of your traffic related questions

[HDi fun]

OK, I stand corrected. Clearly the law has changed since I last looked.

All we've said is that enhancement technology can be legally used to assist in identifying the vehicle.

What we haven't covered though is whether such images are admissible as evidence in their own right.

Any thoughts?

Regards,

Paul.

[old-git]

Originally Posted by HDi fun

OK, I stand corrected. Clearly the law has changed since I last looked.

All we've said is that enhancement technology can be legally used to assist in identifying the vehicle.

What we haven't covered though is whether such images are admissible as evidence in their own right.

Any thoughts?

Regards,

Paul.

I'll ask but, as they have ACPO approval, I would guess they are otherwise it would be pointless.
Steve

[HDi fun]

You'd think in that case they would be. However, The Assoc of Chief POs is not the law.

I suppose the only way to find out is to wait for a test case. Even then it's fragile as it would require the defendent to lie under oath. This could lead to a charge of perjury.

However, if the prosecution (in this hypothetical case) thought that there was a risk of acquittal on account of inadequate or inadmissible evidence they'd probably retract the lot and ask the court to record a verdict of there being 'no case to answer' thereby ensuring that no precedent is set.

This avoids the embarassing situation when thousands of previously convicted motorists appeal and have their verdicts overturned.