ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) equipment is used in
Vector and roads policing vehicles. The system can read
registrations at the rate of one per second and brings up
intelligence data about vehicles and people. It is a valuable tool
in the fight against crime and serious motoring offences.
The technology can pinpoint details about vehicles,
including whether they are uninsured or untaxed,
or have been reported stolen. If a vehicle is found to have no
tax, insurance or it has been involved in any crimes then it may be
stopped for further investigation.
The equipment can help in the fight against cross-border crime
and terrorism, as well as acting as a great deterrent.
All ANPR officers are also search trained, so that if a vehicles
is stopped because of connections to serious crime the officers can
search it thoroughly.
The ANPR Unit deploy on a daily basis to deny criminals the use
of the road with one or more of the following key aims:
Provide specialist use of ANPR technology
- Disrupt Organised Crime Groups
- Disrupt the supply of controlled drugs
- Tackle the threat of terrorism
- Promote road safety
- Enhance public confidence by patrolling the strategic road
network
- Provide a high profile police presence which will support the
organisational commitment to making the community to be
safer and feel safer
The unit uses intelligence information to focus its
resources most effectively. Intelligence led enforcement is vital
to disrupt criminals.
ANPR is a benefit to all road users, helping to significantly
reduce the amount of uninsured drivers on the roads. ANPR cameras
are not used to catch speeding or otherwise law-abiding motorists,
and are not used to generate money for the government or other
agencies.
The use of ANPR fully complies with the Data Protection Act 1998
and the Human Rights Act 1998.