Number Plates Designs Home Page

21/9/09

The growth in automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) is a hot topic today with both sides of the argument being discussed at great length. Whatever you think about it, it looks like it is here to stay. The technology used is really sophisticated, the camera captures an image of the plate and then converts it into a text string, this being compared to a database of registration numbers so police can check the car’s status. As they use infra-red cameras the plate recognition system works at night too and these cameras are really really widespread.

The system is currently being used by many police forces in the UK, and in Lancashire alone 25 fixed ANPR cameras are going to be installed on the counties roads as part of the polices action plan to tackle 'travelling criminals'. The system has been used successfully in many court cases, notably those relating to terroist charges.

The use of the system will, all believe grow much over time.

The good news is that whether you own a standard DVLA number plate or a personalised number plate, it doesn’t really matter, the system can recognise both, so if your vehicle has been considered to be involved in, or associated with a crime, your regnumber could be on a police database somewhere...

Many consider that this an infringement of personal freedom, but others think that if it makes use safer then this 'Big Brother' approach is OK.

The debate will no doubt rage on, but in the meantime, remember that your movements can be traced, whether you like it or not.

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