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Speeding
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Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR)
Automatic Number Plate Recognition or ANPR is a technology
that uses pattern recognition to 'read' vehicle number
plates.
In
simple terms ANPR cameras 'photograph' the number
plates of the vehicles that pass them. This 'photograph'
is then fed in a computer system to find out details
about the driver and owner of the vehicle and details
about the vehicle itself.
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How does ANPR work?
ANPR 'reads' Vehicle Registration Marks - more commonly known
as number plates - from digital images, captured through cameras
located either in a mobile unit, in-built in traffic vehicles
or via Closed Circuit Television (CCTV).
The digital image is converted into data, which is processed
through the ANPR system. This system is able to cross reference
the data against a variety of databases including the Police
National Computer (PNC), Local Force Intelligence Systems
and other related databases, for example DVLA
Once the data has been cross checked against these databases
- a process that takes around 1.5 seconds to complete - information
about the vehicle, its registered owner and driver appears
on a computer where it is evaluated by ANPR officers. If
the information supplied via the ANPR system alerts officers
to an offence or relevant intelligence on a vehicle, the vehicle
will be stopped to allow officers to investigate further.
ANPR officers acting as 'interceptors' also use their observation
to stop other offenders not highlighted by the system. ANPR
systems are able to check up to 3,000 number plates per hour,
per lane, even at speeds of up to 100mph.
Cambridgeshire
Constabulary has a mobile ANPR unit as well as an in-car
ANPR devices in dedicated vehicles. The mobile unit is most
often seen in lay-bys, or safe locations along the county's
roads. The ANPR mobile unit (pictured right) is a white
Vauxhall van with a livery of the Constabulary Crest and
'Police Cameras In Operation' along each side. The cameras
are stationed at the rear of the vehicle.
The
ANPR mobile unit should be easily distinguishable from the
safety camera mobile units that are liveried in highly visible
blue and yellow checks. (The two mobile units are pictured
below). The words 'Crime Cameras' have recently been added
to the ANPR mobile unit to further distinguish it from the
safety camera mobile units.
ANPR
cameras are NOT safety cameras - i.e. they are
not in place to catch speeding motorists.
Safety camera mobile unit
ANPR mobile unit
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