Drivers who fit registration plates that have an illegal background to prevent identification by speed cameras will fail their MoT as well as face prosecution if new modifications to the test come into force.

The government has proposed two changes – one to detect illegal registration-plates and the other to help reduce the number of accidents caused by ‘light trailers’ becoming detached from towing vehicles.

The MoT will include a new check to help ensure that where a vehicle has a tow bar that it is not in an obviously unroadworthy state, or in such condition that it is likely to become detached from the vehicle under any circumstances.