You can see many types of traffic cameras installed on main roads. These include CCTV cameras, speed cameras and ANPR cameras. Every day in UK, ANPR cameras capture around 50 million number plates.
We have prepared this simple guide to tell you: what is ANPR camera and how it can read your car license plates. You will also learn real life applications of ANPR cameras and its market prices.
ANPR Camera: Automatic Number Plate Recognition
ANPR camera is a smart camera which is used to read vehicle number plates in real time. It captures the clear picture of your car plate and then turns it into text. This camera operates with IR technology, optical character recognition (OCR) and clear image quality to provide you accurate results in all conditions.
Example: You can see an ANPR camera at a parking gate. When you drive in, the camera reads your number plate and saves the data. When you leave, it reads your plate again. In this way, the system tracks how long you stayed and calculate your parking fee.
What Do ANPR Cameras Do?
Automatic number plate recognition cameras read and record vehicle number plates and keep track of cars quickly. Further, you can connect them with CCTV cameras to see both the number plate and the vehicle on video. This makes it easier for you to watch and check traffic.
How Accurate Are ANPR Cameras?
In perfect conditions, ANPR camera can read number plates almost 100% correctly. In real life, they generally read plates correctly 90% to 98% of the time. However accuracy depends on the camera quality, software, lenses and the environment.
What Do ANPR Cameras Look Like?
ANPR cameras mostly look like small rectangular boxes or cylinders. You will also find some cameras which look like regular CCTV cameras. You can mount them on poles, walls or vehicles.
Additionally, you will see ANPR cameras with IR lights to see in the dark and clear lenses for sharp images. Small wipers installed in camera to keep the lens clean in rain.
Is it Possible To Find Where ANPR Cameras Are?
You cannot know the exact location of all automatic number plate recognition cameras. Because, police keep fixed camera locations secret, so they can stop criminals. But you can find general information. For example: you may notice ANPR cameras on main roads, toll booths, parking areas, borders and sometimes in police cars.
ANPR Camera Types
You can use different types of ANPR cameras. These all types work in unique ways and you can install them at different locations.
Mobile ANPR Camera
You can mount a mobile ANPR camera on a car or van for flexibility. It allows you to capture number plates while you are moving on the road. With this set-up, you can monitor and track vehicles effectively.
Moreover, you can collect accurate vehicle data without stopping traffic. It is ideal for you to patrol and temporarily monitor locations.
Fixed ANPR Cameras
Fixed ANPR cameras permanently stay in one place and read the vehicle’s number plates, which are moving on the road. You can use them to track traffic and record number plates automatically. These cameras provide reliable data for long-term monitoring. You can install them on entrances, highways and parking areas.
AI Powered ANPR Camera
If we talk about AI powered ANPR camera, it uses smart software to read number plates. So, you can identify vehicles and spot unusual patterns in a fast way. Basically, AI ANPR camera learns from data to improve accuracy over time.
You can also connect them with systems to get alerts automatically. With this ANPR camera, you can make vehicle monitoring faster and more accurate.
ANPR Camera Locations – What are ANPR Cameras Used For
Access Control
You can install automatic number plate recognition cameras to control who will enter a place. The camera will read vehicle number plates automatically. In this way, you can allow or block cars based on the plate. This keeps your area safe and secure. You also get a record of all vehicles which enter or leave the location.
Traffic Management & Law Enforcement
ANPR cameras are widely used to control vehicle movement on highways. They allow you to see traffic patterns and notice congested zones easily. You can alert drivers to slowdown and reduce jams in real time. Furthermore, you can plan better routes and improve road safety according to traffic rules.
ANPR Systems For Car Parks
ANPR camera systems in car parks capture every vehicle when it enters and leaves. You can monitor parking spaces and streamline payments automatically. These systems make parking safe and fast for both drivers and operators.
Toll Booths
ANPR cameras at toll booths automatically identify vehicles and charge drivers for using roads or bridges. You can also link them to payment systems for faster toll collection. This will reduce long lines and keep traffic moving smoothly. You also get accurate records of all vehicles which use the road or bridge.
Retail and Commercial Security
You can use these cameras to protect retail stores and commercial areas. You can track vehicles which enter your property and spot unknown or risky vehicles quickly. They assist you in controlling entry points and improving overall safety.
Local Authorities
Local authorities such as city councils and transport departments use ANPR camera for public safety. For example: you can use them to check parking rules and monitor restricted zones. With its help, you can also detect stolen or wanted vehicles faster.
Border Crossings
To make border security more accurate and safe, ANPR cameras are installed at border crossing areas. They can check and verify each vehicle in a very fast way. Therefore, you can spot banned or suspicious vehicles in seconds.
Construction Site Security
You will also find ANPR cameras at construction sites. Because, they protect construction areas from theft and unauthorized entry. These cameras allow you to block unknown automobiles and enter only approved ones. As a result, you can manage the site safely plus get the record of all visits.
Police Checkpoints
ANPR camera has an important role at police checkpoints. You can scan vehicles quickly and match number plates with police databases. So, you can track illegal, unregistered or strange vehicles faster. You also make the checkpoint process smoother. Safe vehicles move quickly and only flagged cars will be checked.
How Do ANPR Cameras Work?
1. Image Capture
ANPR camera starts its work when a vehicle enters camera range. For a clear image of a license plate, it uses a sharp lens, high resolution feature and sometimes infrared light to see in low light. You can also capture plates when vehicles move fast.
2. Localization
After a camera captures the image, the ANPR system finds the exact area of the number plate in the photo. So, you can focus only on the plate and ignore the rest of the vehicle. As a result, software can read the letters and numbers more accurately.
3. Segmentation
In this step, the automatic number plate recognition system separates different letters and numbers on the license plate. Hence, you can treat each character individually. This also makes it easier for the system to read all letters and numbers accurately.
The F-stop and AGC (Automatic Gain Control) is the ANPR camera setting. These features make the image bright enough and focused, so the system can read it correctly.
4. Optical Character Recognition (OCR)
OCR technology is the most important part of ANPR cameras. With this software, the camera can identify the letters and numbers from a number plate more accurately. It converts the plate image into digital text automatically. This makes it possible for the system to know the plate without any manual work.
5. Identification
After OCR checks the number plate, the system will identify the vehicle. You can compare the digital plate data with a database of vehicles. Also, you can find the owner, check registration or detect stolen or wanted vehicles.
6. Data Processing or Storage
Then, the system stores the recognized license plate information in a database. You also save extra details such as date, time or location. This step is important to keep accurate records of every vehicle. You can get fast alerts for stolen or wanted vehicles. Later, you can access this data whenever you need it to track car or traffic management.
What Happens if You Get Caught By ANPR Camera?
If an ANPR camera captures your vehicle, the system records your number plate, time as well location. You may get a ticket or fine if you break traffic rules, park illegally or miss a toll payment. Authorities can also use the data to check for stolen or unregistered vehicles.
According to the National ANPR Standards for Policing and Law Enforcement, you should use data carefully and respect people’s privacy. Vehicle plate records (ANPR READ) are generally deleted after 12 months unless needed for legal reasons.
Read this reddit post to know people’s experiences and discussions about ANPR cameras.
Do ANPR Cameras Check Speed
Well, ANPR camera mainly reads number plates and identify vehicles. Therefore, you cannot use them to directly measure speed like a speed camera. However, you can integrate ANPR cameras with other systems to calculate average speed over a distance.
But you should keep in mind, it is not a good practice because ANPR cameras are not designed for accurate speed measurement. You may get wrong results due to traffic conditions or timing errors.
Who Controls the Use of ANPR Camera Data?
Use of automatic number plate recognition camera data is fully handled by government authorities and law enforcement agencies. You can access the data only if you have permission for a valid reason.
Usually, private companies can use some data under strict conditions. But, police databases are strictly protected. The NASPLE also enforced that data is used only for official investigations and stored in local or national databases.
ANPR Camera Price
The cost of an automatic number plate recognition camera varies according to its quality. Basic cameras with standard resolution cost less, but high-resolution AI-powered cameras can increase your budget.
The average price range is $90 to $200. If you are looking for a waterproof infrared (IR) imaging camera, it may cost you around $300 to $425. For OCR (fast recognition software) + AI ANPR camera, the price can increase to USD 500-800.
Conclusion
ANPR camera works well for road traffic management and also provides you security in parking lots and construction sites. As the systems grow smarter, new technology in these cameras make everyday driving safe and smooth.
If you want more information about ANPR camera, you can contact us anytime. We can also manufacture traffic cameras according to your project needs.
We Answered Your Important Questions
Can I Use Regular Security Cameras as ANPR Cameras?
No, commonly used traffic cameras can not fully operate as an ANPR camera. You can see vehicles, but they cannot read number plates automatically. Because ANPR cameras work with special lenses and software, which you will not find in regular cameras.
Can ANPR Cameras Monitor Congestion?
Yes, you can monitor traffic congestion on the road with automatic number plate recognition camera. You can track how many vehicles pass through a road or area. In this way, these cameras are useful for you to manage traffic flow and reduce jams.
Can ANPR Cameras Issue a Ticket For Speeding?
No, ANPR cameras actually cannot give you a ticket for speeding. The reason is, they only capture and read vehicle number plates. Hence, speeding tickets issued by dedicated speed cameras or radar systems, not ANPR cameras.
Why is ANPR Camera a Better Security Solution Than Manned Guards?
ANPR cameras work 24/7 without breaks and never miss a vehicle. Moreover, you can track every car automatically and store the data for later. They are faster, more reliable and usually more cost-effective as compared to trust only on staffed security.
Can ANPR Camera Read Dirty Number Plates?
Yes, advanced ANPR cameras can identify dirty or partially covered number plates. So, you can still capture the plate by the use of high-resolution lenses, infrared lighting or AI-powered software. This makes accurate identification in tough conditions.
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