DRIVERS are being given the chance to beat police speed traps by an East Lancashire trader.

Nelson businessman Ashley Holt has advertised special car number plates at £85 per pair in a national magazine aimed at drivers interested in high-speed performance cars.

The advert claims the plates are "invisible to flash photography" including two types of speed cameras.

It says the plates conform to BSI and MOT standards and look identical to standard number plates.

But the controversial plates have been criticised by the police, the Department of Transport and the AA.

Mr Holt said: "I've got nothing to say. It's been blown up out of all proportion. I'm sorry, I've nothing else to say."

The advert offers a money-back guarantee. It is not clear whether the plates are legal or not.

But Sergeant Michael Barlow of the traffic management unit at Colne Police Station said the plates do not work.

"We have the technology to read these number plates no matter whether they have reflective material on them or not.

"Our camera will pick up the number as long as the plates are legal and, if they are not, then the car will be stopped if it is spotted."

AA spokesman Simon Jones also said the plates do not beat the cameras. "We've done tests and they don't work," he explained.

"The police have equipment to read these plates and if they see someone trying to avoid having the number plate read they will go to great lengths to catch them.

"The only reason for having these plates is to go past speed cameras, or drive through red traffic lights which is highly dangerous."

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