THE number's up for more than 450 motorists in Greater Manchester who, after a police clampdown on illegal registration plates, now face criminal charges.

A two-week-Greater Manchester Police campaign aimed at cutting out illegally represented vehicle number plates resulted in more than 1,500 motorists being stopped.

Drivers were questioned by police patrols because they had illegally spaced, altered or scrolled number plates.

The 450 drivers with some of the worst examples of distortion now face prosecution.

In Bolton 23 motorists were stopped and advised, while a further 17 were reported.

Commenting on the police operation, Insp Brian Ritson, GMP's force Road Safety Officer said: "It should be remembered that one of the main purposes of vehicle registration is to give an identity to a vehicle.

"This should be easy to read and readily understood by everyone.

"Personal registration plates are acceptable provided they comply with the regulations. Distortion of the number may delay police enquiries into serious offences and that is what this campaign sought to discourage."

Although this phase of the initiative has finished, motorists are being warned that police patrols will continue. Not only will drivers with illegal plates be prosecuted, but they will also be reported to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency at Swansea. The Agency has the power to withdraw the number without compensation if there is repeated abuse of the regulations.

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