What Shows Up on Car Park ANPR Systems?

First used in the 1970s, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems are a familiar sight in car parks across the UK. These systems use cameras with advanced image processing technology to capture and store vehicle information.

ANPR systems serve all kinds of purposes, from boosting security to managing parking regulations, but most people aren't fully aware of the specific data they can track.

Here at Britannia Parking the team have installed ANPR systems in car parks across the country, so we know how they work inside and out. Below, we'll explain what data ANPR collects and how it can help make your car park safer, simpler and more efficient to manage.
 

What Data Do ANPR Systems Collect?

While the details can vary based on the system and regulations, most ANPR setups collect the same key information:

• Vehicle registration plates: The core data captured is the alphanumeric sequence on a vehicle's number plate. Cameras positioned at car park entry and exit points automatically record this information as vehicles pass through.
• Time stamps: ANPR systems also log the exact time a vehicle enters and exits the car park, providing an accurate record of how long it has been there (dwell time).
• Vehicle image: Some systems take a full image of the vehicle in addition to reading the number plate. This can include details like the make, model, colour, and other features that can help identify the vehicle.
• Location data: The system logs the specific location of the camera, whether it's at an entry, exit, or specific parking zone, along with the timestamp, helping track where the vehicle was spotted.
• Additional metadata: More advanced ANPR systems might capture extra details, such as the vehicle's speed as it enters or exits, the lane it was in, and even environmental conditions like weather or lighting at the time.

How This Data Can Be Used

The data collected by an ANPR system can be used for several purposes, with the most common ones being:

Parking Management and Enforcement

• ANPR systems track how long a vehicle has been parked. If there's a time limit, the system can automatically flag overstays and issue parking violations or fines.
• If a car park requires permits or pre-booked spaces, ANPR can match the captured registration plates with a list of approved vehicles to check only authorised cars are parked.
• ANPR systems can be linked with payment platforms to automate entry and exit, allowing only vehicles that have paid for parking to enter or leave.
• By analysing entry/exit times and vehicle movement, car park operators can adjust the layout of spaces and access points to improve traffic flow, reducing congestion during busy periods.

Security and Crime Prevention

• ANPR systems can be linked to national databases of stolen vehicles. If a stolen car is detected entering or leaving the car park, authorities can be notified immediately.
• Police or security services can use ANPR data to track vehicles connected to criminal activities or help locate suspect vehicles.
• In private car parks or restricted areas like corporate buildings or government facilities, ANPR can automatically grant or deny access by checking vehicle registration numbers against a pre-approved list.

Customer Experience

• ANPR systems can be connected to customer loyalty programmes, making parking easier for registered vehicles by allowing automatic entry and exit - no need for manual tickets or scanning.
• In premium or membership-based car parks, the system can identify VIP vehicles and provide personalised services, such as reserving parking spaces or even arranging pre-booked car maintenance, making the experience even more convenient.

Data Analytics

• By analysing the number of vehicles and how long they park, businesses can gain valuable insights into usage patterns, such as peak times and average stay durations. This information helps improve operations and adjust pricing to better meet demand.
• In retail settings, car park data can be combined with shopping behaviour to get a deeper understanding of customer habits and preferences.
• ANPR systems can also track vehicles by their emissions classification (useful for low-emission zones) or help assess the impact of traffic flow on air quality, especially in enclosed or underground car parks.

Elevate Your Car Park with Britannia Parking's ANPR Solutions

At Britannia Parking, we've been using ANPR technology for over 25 years. Our experience means we can tailor our solutions to suit your needs, improving security with real-time monitoring and access control, improving the customer experience, and streamlining your operations. We also offer a range of other car park management services, from manned patrols to detailed analytics and pay-and-display systems, and more!

Ready to take your car park to the next level? Book a consultation and see how Britannia Parking can help you reach your goals today.