On street and off street car parking enforcement presents numerous challenges. Regulatory complexity, urban congestion and poor infrastructure, to name a few, can be frustrating for private and public car park operators.
Automatic Number Plate Recognition used in ANPR parking systems is a game changer, transforming the way parking is managed and enforced. But is it a reliable system? Let’s take a look.
What is an ANPR parking system?
Put simply, ANPR parking systems use sophisticated optical character recognition technology to read vehicle licence plates. ANPR cameras also capture additional data, including the date and time a car passes the camera and the direction of travel.
By recording entry and exit times, ANPR parking systems can record any vehicle exceeding the parking time restrictions. The data can also be used to calculate parking fines, automating car parking management and making enforcement straightforward.
How do Automatic Number Plate Recognition systems work?
There are four key components to ANPR parking systems: ANPR cameras, software algorithms, character recognition software and database integration.
Your ANPR cameras are strategically positioned to capture high resolution ima sges of incoming vehicles and their license plates. Once these images are enhanced and processed, the software algorithms are able to identify the number plate’s size, location and orientation, detecting and segmenting any numbers and letters in the image.
Now, optical character recognition (OCR) comes into play. ANPR has accuracy rates of 95% to 98%, depending on image quality. Once the data has been retrieved, it’s compared to the registered vehicles database. If a match is found, the ANPR system will trigger a pre-determined event, such as opening a barrier or recording entry and exit times.
What are the benefits of ANPR parking systems?
So why might you want to employ this system in your car park?
Effective traffic control
ANPR parking systems monitor and manage traffic flows, improving waiting times for staff and drivers. They can catch rule breaking vehicles or show drivers where there are empty parking spaces. It’s also an effective tool for visitor management. You can, for instance, create a permitted vehicle list for optimal traffic management.
Improved safety and security
By providing constant monitoring, ANPR systems can identify stolen vehicles and other criminal activity, issuing real time alerts. Additionally, the data collected can provide invaluable evidence should an incident occur in your parking facility.
Enhanced driver experience
Drivers are always on the lookout for a hassle free parking experience. ANPR parking systems integrate with apps and websites, eliminating the need for manual payments and giving the driver valuable parking data for a convenient service.
Improved revenue management
If your current system is prone to mistakes and payment evasion, ANPR helps you regulate your facility and recover lost revenues. Automating fee calculations and offering payment options such as cards and via app helps to reduce errors and eliminates the use of fake tickets.
Data insights and analysis
Need to know about parking patterns and occupancy rates at peak hours? ANPR parking systems deliver valuable data insights and analysis. You’ll have the power to make informed decisions on anything from resource management to parking pricing, maximising your operation.
Can anyone have an ANPR parking system?
Whether you’re looking for ANPR parking systems in Liverpool, Bolton, or elsewhere in the UK, this technology is highly versatile and can be used across numerous applications.
It’s currently used by law enforcement agencies, local authorities and the DVLA to detect and disrupt criminal activity.
ANPR isn’t limited to parking management, either. Logistics and distribution centres are utilising ANPR technology to track vehicles and optimise delivery routes for faster and smoother operations. Additionally, the technology has a valuable role to play in security and surveillance, controlling access and monitoring vehicle movements.
ANPR parking systems are in use across the public and private sectors. Why? It enables facilities to improve efficiency and automate tasks for enhanced optimisation, whatever the size of your operation.
How much does an ANPR system cost?
Several factors impact the cost of an ANPR system, including the complexity of the facility, your location and your requirements.
Generally, a single camera setup starts at £7,000, with multi-camera systems and barrier installation pushing that figure higher, depending on the scope and complexity of your facility.
Is an ANPR parking system a reliable choice for my business?
ANPR parking systems offer exceptional accuracy, efficient enforcement and a seamless parking experience. But is ANPR a reliable choice for your business?
The setup costs are higher than a traditional pay and display system — yet the benefits far outweigh low cost systems, with enhanced security, flexible payment options, convenience and much more.
The innovation and automation offered by ANPR parking systems make them an attractive choice for motorists. Moreover, real time data analytics, vehicle verification and streamlined barrier systems allow you to refine the customer experience and attract new business.
Looking for a reliable ANPR system? Trust Parking Patrol
If you’re looking for an accurate, efficient and secure ANPR parking system, trust Parking Patrol. We cover areas across the North West, installing ANPR parking systems in Manchester and the surrounding areas. Our systems use the power of real-time data to help you streamline your day-to-day operations.
Contact us today to discover how our ANPR solutions can revolutionise your parking enforcement.
