Number plate recognition (ANPR) — how it works
Number plate recognition — ANPR, Automatic Number Plate Recognition — lets a camera read a vehicle's registration number and use it as identification. The car becomes its own key: no barrier, no ticket, no tag. Here we go through how the technology actually works, what the facility requires, how privacy is handled, and how a site is put into operation.
- 30M+
- Parkings annually
- 500+
- Locations
- 99,95 %
- Uptime
How number plate recognition works, step by step
An ANPR system has three parts: a camera with infrared light, software that reads the characters (OCR), and a rule set in the cloud that decides what should happen to the car that just drove in.
- The camera detects the vehicle and captures an image of the plate on entry.
- Infrared light means the plate is read equally well in darkness, rain and backlight.
- OCR software converts the image to characters and verifies the plate format.
- The registration number is checked against entitlements: subscription, guest registration, tenancy or short-term parking.
- The system decides in real time whether the car has valid parking, should start a paid session, or needs follow-up.
- Exit is read the same way, and the session ends automatically with the correct duration.
Free-flow: what changes when the barrier is removed
With number plate recognition, a barrier is not needed to control who parks. Control moves from a physical gate to a digital rule — and it shows both in the entrance queue and in the maintenance budget.
- No queue at the entrance — throughput is not limited by a barrier lifting.
- No barriers hit by vehicles, no service call-outs for jammed mechanics.
- No tags, cards or paper permits to administer, hand out or replace.
- Rules change digitally: new prices, new time windows or new zones the same day.
- Improper parking is detected automatically, without anyone patrolling on foot.
- A full log per vehicle gives documentation for complaints and better occupancy data.
What the facility needs
The accuracy of number plate recognition is largely determined by the installation, not just the camera. These are the points that must be in place before the site goes live:
- Camera placement with the correct angle and distance to the plate — ideally straight behind or in front of the vehicle.
- A defined entry point where vehicles pass one at a time, at moderate speed.
- Power and network to the camera position — fibre, cable or stable mobile coverage.
- Signage informing about camera surveillance, prices and terms at the entrance.
- Lighting that does not shine directly into the camera.
- Integrations with payment, access control and any charge points in the same platform.
Privacy and GDPR
A registration number is personal data. That means number plate recognition needs a legal basis, clear information and a controlled retention period. This is not an obstacle — it is something that must be in place from day one.
- Legal basis: a parking agreement or legitimate interest, documented before go-live.
- Signage at the entrance informing about camera surveillance and who the data controller is.
- Data is stored encrypted, and images are deleted once the parking session is finished and settled.
- A defined retention period — no longer than needed for settlement, complaints and any debt collection.
- A data processing agreement between owner and system supplier, with clear roles.
- Access, rectification and erasure requests handled by a fixed routine, not ad hoc.
Cost and models
The price of an ANPR installation depends on the number of entries and exits, cabling distances and which operating model is chosen. Two models are common:
- Purchase: the owner invests in cameras and installation and pays a recurring fee for software, operations and support.
- Parking as a service: the supplier provides equipment, installation and operations for a fixed monthly fee.
- In both models the owner sets the prices and keeps the parking revenue.
- The cost should be weighed against today's running costs: barrier maintenance, manual enforcement and revenue lost to unregistered parking.
- Facilities that already have barriers can add ANPR on top and phase out the barrier once operation is verified.
- We prepare concrete figures for your facility before anything is ordered.
How to get started with number plate recognition
1. Site survey
We review the site: entrances, sight lines, speed, power, connectivity and how many zones are needed. The result is a camera plan and a signage plan.
2. Solution proposal
You get a documented proposal with rules, prices, technical setup and figures for operations and parking revenue — before anything is installed.
3. Installation
Cameras, signage and any charge points are installed, usually quickly. Zones and rules are then configured and the system is test-run on real passages.
4. Operation
We handle customer service, payments and follow-up, while the owner controls prices and rules and keeps the parking revenue. Occupancy and revenue are reported continuously.
Read more about the technology in practice
ANPR explained: plate recognition without barriers
How ANPR works in practice: barrier-free parking, cost picture, GDPR considerations and what the solution requires of your facility.
Free-flow or barriers: what suits your facility?
No barriers, no tickets – or a traditional barrier setup? We cover cost, customer experience and operations so the choice is right from day one.
How to set up a private toll road with ANPR
From permits to financing: everything to clarify before a private ANPR toll road goes live, no barriers, no operator in between.
Parking and mobility in new development projects
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Parking solution for offices & commercial
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Frequently asked questions about number plate recognition and ANPR
Is number plate recognition right for your facility?
Tell us about the facility — number of spaces, entrances and today's setup — and we will come back with a camera plan, proposed rules and figures for operations and parking revenue.
Request a quote
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