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Rochdale Trading Standards (Rochdale TS) has been honoured with the Outstanding Project Award at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) annual Hero Awards. This accolade celebrates their groundbreaking work in identifying and addressing the widespread issue of illegally manufactured and displayed vehicle registration plates.

The CTSI Hero Awards, hosted by Jess Phillips MP in the Houses of Parliament on 10 December, spotlight innovative and impactful projects that protect consumers and support enforcement efforts. Now in its 19th year, the awards continue to recognise the transformative work of Trading Standards teams nationwide.

Rochdale TS uncovered the use of illegal vehicle registration plates, known as "ghost" or "stealth" plates, by organised crime groups (OCGs) to evade detection by ANPR cameras. Their discovery led to a nationwide effort to tackle this growing issue. Working closely with the DVLA, National Trading Standards Intelligence Team (NTSIT), and police forces across the UK, Rochdale TS spearheaded a multi-agency approach that included roadside checks and inspections of plate manufacturers.

Their findings revealed the vast scale of the problem, with implications for law enforcement, evidence gathering, and consumer protection. The team’s efforts prompted NTSIT to create a comprehensive problem profile on ghost plates, which has been presented to the National Tasking Group (NTG), driving forward coordinated actions to address this critical issue.

CTSI Chief Executive, John Herriman, said: “Rochdale Trading Standards has demonstrated exceptional leadership and initiative in tackling an issue with far-reaching implications. Their innovative approach and dedication have set a benchmark for collaboration and enforcement, ensuring safer roads and stronger protections for consumers. This award is a testament to their impactful work.”

Councillor Tricia Ayrton, deputy leader of Rochdale Borough Council, said: “This award is deserved recognition for our excellent trading standards team, who have led the way in helping to identify illegal registration plates. Our innovative approach has sent a clear message to criminals, if you are using or making fake plates your law-breaking will catch up with you. This is just the start of our work to protect law-abiding motorists, ensure safer motorists and bring criminals to justice.”

This recognition highlights Rochdale TS’s pivotal role in raising awareness and developing solutions to a complex national problem, showcasing their commitment to safeguarding communities and supporting enforcement efforts.

Image: Jenni Falconer, Paul Waugh MP, Adam Carter - NTS Friends Against Scams, Rochdale Trading Standards, Rochdale Children’s Services and Greater Manchester Police 

Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) 

The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) is a national not for profit established in 1881 which supports the UK’s Trading Standards profession, and works to protect consumers and safeguard honest businesses. CTSI's members are engaged in delivering frontline Trading Standards services at local authorities and in businesses. www.tradingstandards.uk 

Please contact CTSI Press Office: pressoffice@tsi.org.uk for any queries.