Redspeed News

02.09.2025

Redspeed International is proud to announce its pivotal role in “Operation Phantom”, a groundbreaking collaboration with West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster and West Midlands Police (https://www.westmidlands-pcc.gov.uk/ground-breaking-technology-exposes-over-4300-illegal-ghost-plates-in-birmingham/ )This initiative marks a new era in road safety, deploying cutting-edge, state-of-the-art technology to tackle the significant and long-standing issue of illegal “ghost plates.”

For too long, these illegal plates (often known as 3D or 4D plates) have been a persistent challenge for law enforcement. Deliberately designed to evade traditional Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems, they have provided a veil of anonymity not only for serious criminals but also for a wider group of motorists seeking to avoid detection.

This isn’t a minor motoring offence; it’s a critical criminal enabler, allowing individuals to avoid everything from speeding tickets and clean air zone charges to more serious crimes like drug trafficking, theft and violent offences.

The Solution: Redspeed’s Sentio Ghost Camera

Operation Phantom’s success is built on the deployment of our advanced Sentio Ghost camera technology. This is not a simple upgrade but a fundamental leap forward in enforcement capability. Our Sentio system uses a multi-faceted approach, combining high-resolution imaging with advanced data analysis algorithms. This allows it to identify and capture even the most sophisticated illegal plates that are invisible to legacy ANPR systems.

The results are a testament to this technology’s effectiveness:

• Unprecedented Detection: During the initial phase, a single Sentio Ghost camera identified and captured over 4,300 instances of vehicles displaying non-compliant plates in just two weeks. This staggering figure proves the widespread nature of the problem and the immediate, critical impact of our solution.
• Denying Anonymity to All: The Sentio system gives law enforcement a powerful new tool, enabling them to track and hold accountable vehicles that were previously “ghosts” on the road network. This capability is instrumental in disrupting organised crime and making our communities safer by ensuring all motorists comply with the law.

Mr. Tom Duckham, CEO at RedSpeed International, commented:

“This groundbreaking project is the first in the country to demonstrate how our Sentio Ghost camera, which utilises Home Office Type Approval (HOTA) technology, can effectively combat evolving threats like ghost plates. The success of this collaboration not only validates our advanced technology but also establishes a powerful, repeatable framework for other police forces, roads safety partnerships, local authorities and other commercial enterprises facing similar challenges. We are proud to provide law enforcement with the proven, legally sound tools they need to close this significant loophole, ensuring our roads are not a haven for criminals and protecting our communities.”

By providing West Midlands Police with enhanced knowledge, understanding and advanced state-of-the-art technology capability, Redspeed International is helping to ensure the West Midlands remains at the forefront of road safety and enforcement, setting a new standard for a nationwide approach to this persistent issue.

Please use our contact page to get in touch or for more information on Sentio Ghost click here