Cloned number plate warning

Police in Lancashire have warned drivers to be vigilant over number plate cloning after officers received reports of up to 400 incidents.

The latest incident involved a driver who could be forced to pay up to £5,000 in a what he claims is a false fine for not paying London's congestion charge.

On Friday, a woman also said she would refuse to pay a fine after a London council said she was caught driving in a bus lane, even though her car was on her drive at home.

Senior police officers said drivers could reduce the risks of falling victim by choosing the garages they use carefully.

The making-up of number plates has been tightened up on recently Chief Inspector Val Prince

Joe Rooney fears although he has proof he did not drive in London's congestion charge zone, he will be forced to pay anyway.

The 66-year-old, of Cabus, near Garstang told BBC Radio Lancashire: "I have been told that £40 has to be paid by 19 July.

"If I don't pay it by then it will be £80, and if I fail on that it will be £120.

"But at the bottom of the letter I received it says it could go up to £5,000."

Chief Inspector Val Prince said the 400 reported incidents had taken place since the beginning of 2002.

She said: "The making up of number plates has been tightened up on recently, but I'm afraid there's always going to be rogue garages.

"If you go to a maker of registration plates you're supposed to produce the logbook for your vehicle."