ANPR

ANPR or automatic number plate recognition is part of an Intelligent Video system.  It is used for mass surveillance on roads, detecting number plates through optical character recognition.  In the last few years ANPR systems have been developed to work on CCTV cameras and road enforcement cameras as well as specially designed ones.

The ANPR system is quite advanced and reliable with the ability to scan one number plate per second on cars travelling up to 100 mph.  The system can be set up to fulfil different purposes as well.  Some ANPR cameras will scan for speeding and only capture the number plate of offenders whilst others monitor one way streets and junctions for drivers who do not adhere to road directions or red lights.

The clever ANPR system certainly seems to have its advantages but criticism has come in the form of fears for privacy.  Some worry the government can use ANPR to track the movement of citizens and the media has raised concern with reports of misidentification and high error rates.