LPR Systems Abound Both in the US and Abroad

Whether to capture bank robbers and kidnappers on the run in the Cincinnati region or just to enforce local parking lot limitations in Aspen, License Plate Recognition (LPR) systems are spreading quickly throughout the country -- and as evidenced from recent headlines, they are finding their way overseas as well.

Yesterday, the Anti-Aggression Brigade from the Brussels Police Department in Belgium announced its deployment of AutoVu, Genetec’s IP LPR solution, to help detect stolen vehicles throughout the city. The day before, Hi-Tech Solutions Ltd. announced that its LPR solution, SeeCar, was selected to automate access control in 1,300 parking spots for AFCON’s Fast Park in the B.S.R. Towers in Israel.

While each initiative is meant to achieve a distinct objective — in Belgium, to track and find stolen vehicles, and in Israel to ensure that only permitted guests enter parking lots and to block unwelcome vehicles — these projects demonstrate the growing trend of LPR across major cities and ultimately the rise of urban surveillance worldwide.

Reported success has been limited for the numerous projects deployed thus far; however, recent innovation in camera technology, increased sensitivity to privacy infringements, and the hope of thwarting criminal attempts and increased protection of urban populations should indicate a promising future for LPR technologies.

Australian Government Revs up LPR

CrimTrac, the Australian government's criminal information and intelligence agency, is taking the first steps toward developing a nationwide automatic number plate recognition system to capture the vehicle details of suspects and citizens alike.

"We looked at the U.K. experience as part of the study; it's probably the most advanced integration of ANPR technology anywhere in the world, and we'll draw on those experiences, but primarily it will have to suit the Australian context," said Darren Booy, ANPR Project Manager for CrimTrac.

Australia is studying its Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system to determine the feasibility of implementing a national network. If approved the rollout should take one to four years. With regards to civil liberties, the study will also include a comprehensive privacy impact assessment after widespread use of the technology overseas raised the concerns of privacy
advocates.