Written by Campervan Driver Caught Using False Plates to Evade Exmouth Parking Fines
A campervan driver who attempted to avoid parking fines by using false number plates has been handed a community order after appearing in court.
Sean Sykes, 41, of Normandy Close, was found guilty of the fraudulent use of a registration mark after parking his campervan on Queen Street near Exmouth seafront with fake plates displayed. Despite his claims that the move was not intended to evade fines, the court deemed the act serious enough to warrant more than a financial penalty.
Exeter Crown Court heard that Sykes swapped his legal number plates for false ones in May of last year. The tactic resulted in two parking notices being deemed “unenforceable” by authorities, as the vehicle’s registration details were incorrect.
Suspicion was raised when a local officer approached Sykes and discovered the genuine plates hidden inside his vehicle. Prosecutor Stuart Allen told the court, “The purpose seems to be to avoid paying for traffic tickets on Exmouth seafront.”
Sykes represented himself in court and admitted to the offense, but he disputed the motivation put forward by the prosecution. “My legal plates don’t allow me to buy a ticket,” he argued. “My fake plates do. I just want to say it wasn’t for the intention to avoid tickets, it was to buy tickets.”
Despite his explanation, Judge David Evans ruled that altering a vehicle’s registration to mislead authorities was a serious offense. “Whatever the reason, fixing fake plates on a vehicle is a serious matter,” the judge stated. “It deserves more than just a fine.”
As a result, Sykes was sentenced to a 12-month community order, which includes 90 days of unpaid work. The judge emphasized that tampering with number plates poses risks not only to parking enforcement but also to broader public safety and security.
Authorities have reminded motorists that the use of false plates is a criminal offense that can carry severe penalties, including imprisonment in more serious cases.