ANPR — Automatic Number Plate Recognition

One-line definition

Camera technology that reads vehicle registration plates to check against databases for stolen vehicles, wanted persons, and intelligence.

In plain English

Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) is a technology used by UK police forces to automatically read and interpret vehicle registration plates using cameras and software. This allows for real-time tracking and identification of vehicles, enhancing law enforcement's ability to respond to incidents or monitor traffic. It can be applied in various scenarios, such as identifying stolen vehicles, locating individuals with outstanding warrants, or managing traffic flow. The ANPR systems are often installed in patrol cars as well as fixed locations, enabling officers to access data instantly. For the public, this technology raises questions around privacy and data usage, as it involves the collection of vehicle information without owner consent. Overall, ANPR plays a critical role in modern policing, aiding in crime prevention and traffic management.

Key facts

• 1ANPR systems use optical character recognition to read number plates.
• 2This technology is used by all police forces in the UK for traffic enforcement and crime detection.
• 3Data collected by ANPR can be stored for various lengths of time depending on local policies.
• 4ANPR technology can be mounted on police vehicles or used in fixed locations such as traffic lights.
• 5The Home Office provides guidance on the use of ANPR in policing.

Who this affects