Gloucester police warning over illegal number plates

The offenders usually alter the number plates to form names and other words

People who have tampered with their car number plates are being warned they could be stopped and fined.

Police in Gloucester say they are coming across more vehicles with the numbers and letters altered.

A Gloucestershire Constabulary spokesman said the offenders usually do it to form names and other words.

He said it is an offence under the Road Vehicles Regulations Act to change the characters on number plates in any way. Offenders are fined £60.

Police Community Support Officer Steve Harris said: "I believe we've issued around 60 fines in the last six months, which is not a good sign.

"I'm not sure why but a few motorists believe they have the right to alter their registration plates just because it suits them. In fact, they could not be more wrong."

In addition to the fine, the owner also receives a letter from the DVLA ordering them to change it back.