It is fairly likely that you have come across ANPR Barrier technology in the past, but you probably did not even think about it. ANPR is frequently used in car parks and other controlled environments.
ANPR Barriers often form part of a wider parking management system that can be deployed in a range of locations, but most popularly, in more modern car parks.
In this blog, we will be exploring ANPR for Barriers, what this technology is, how it works, and its benefits.
Hopefully, by the end of the article, you will have a better idea of how it can be implemented.
In summary this guide will look at:
- ANPR for Barriers Basics
- Features of ANPR for Barriers
- How to Work ANPR for Barriers
- ANPR Benefits
- Industries That Can Use ANPR for Barriers
- ANPR Summary
What is ANPR for Barriers?
Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) is a type of security and management system that does exactly what it says in the name, scans plates and checks them against a database.
ANPR for Barriers controls vehicle access to a location and are linked to a system that can pre-authorise company vehicles, visitors, or pre-paid parking.
They have a few different things that they can do and work differently depending on how they are used and by whom. The major similarity is the ability to create a physical barrier that limits unauthorised access to an area.
With this being said, let us look at the core functions that ANPR Barrier systems do:
- Grant or deny access to a physical barrier
- Scan number plate data and allow pre-authorised vehicles in
- Collect new plate information to store temporarily
- Open automatically on exit when conditions are met (e.g. paid for parking)
Key Components of ANPR for Barriers
ANPR for barrier systems are fairly basic to understand, but here is a quick overview of what the systems need to operate.
There is a time and a place for ANPR, but it would be accurate to say that most industries could benefit from it if they have the traffic flow.
- Vehicles - it seems fairly obvious, but without a high volume of vehicles passing through the barrier, there would not be a need for barrier ANPR. Take for instance you have suppliers or employees coming throughout the day and night, you have control any time of day.
- Controlled Area - whether this is a car park, your company’s headquarters, or any other location you want to limit access to, having an area you need to be secured is vital. In short, you need something on the other side of the barrier.
- Cameras - the way that the information is captured, correlated and stored. Cameras adjacent to the barriers will pick up the number plate information in a matter of seconds to grant or deny access to an area.
- Barriers - this is the physical deterrent to unauthorised persons or vehicles and allows you to have a controlled point of access and exit. Typically there will be at least one entrance and one exit, with the cameras pointing outwards opposite the direction of travel
- Database - where the management software’s number plate information is stored, and all of the data can be controlled and managed. In the system, you will be able to see who came in and out, at what times, and pre-authorise or limit certain vehicles.
How Does ANPR for Barriers Work?
ANPR barrier systems are a way of limiting and controlling access to a location, giving the company control over their private parking. The photographic information collected by an Automatic Number Plate Recognition system creates Automatic Vehicle Location Data.
The collected data lets the database know details such as the time the vehicle entered and attempted exit, whether they are granted entry or exit, and their timestamps.
To put it simply, the steps are as follows:
- ANPR Barrier technology is installed
- Pre-authorised vehicles are programmed in (if applicable)
- Vehicles are scanned when approaching the barrier via a camera
- Data is collected and stored on the vehicle, and if entry is permitted the barrier lifts
- Upon exit, if the vehicle has met the requirements (eg. paid for parking) the barrier will automatically open
What are the Benefits of ANPR for Barriers?
Even multinational companies see the importance of ANPR systems with everyone from local councils to technology giants embracing Automatic Number Plate Recognition systems.
With this being said, we will be focusing more on the ANPR for Barriers side of the technology, keeping the benefits fairly universal so they can be applied to multiple businesses and industries.
Operational Benefits
Lower Staff Costs
From a business perspective, you will need less staff to look after your car park or location. Knowing you have entry and exits covered by a barrier allows you to free up staff to do other jobs or patrol without worrying about unauthorised access.
24/7 Number Plate Scanning
This will not apply to all businesses or industries, but being able to have the system ‘awake’ at any time of day has a major benefit over having security staff working around the clock.
Locations such as international airports that have vehicles arriving all times of day benefit from this, for example.
Eliminate Human Error
Removing the majority of human intervention reduces the chances of human error in the system. This could come in many forms, but with an ANPR Barrier system, most ways are eliminated.
General Benefits
Improved Efficiency
Regardless of your industry type, having this form of traffic flow automation has improved efficiency. Being able to allow vehicles in and out of your premises around the clock and without human intervention speeds up the process indefinitely.
Controlled Environment
Having the ability to fully control your points of ingress and egress creates a much more controlled environment. You will be able to know exactly what vehicles are within your location, when they arrived and when they left.
New Layer of Security
As a follow on from the above, you will have a much safer location. Having access to data that was previously unavailable to you, or at a limited capacity has its own wealth of benefits, improved security being the forefront.
How Do ANPR Barriers Work with Parking Management?
Remember the days of long queues and fumbling for change at car parks?
Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology is rapidly making these frustrations a thing of the past.
Let's explore how ANPR is transforming parking management, benefiting both operators and drivers alike.
Streamlining Access Control
ANPR systems act as silent gatekeepers of modern car parks. As vehicles approach, cameras capture license plate details and cross-reference them with a database, allowing authorised vehicles to enter smoothly.
This frictionless process significantly reduces queue times, with some facilities reporting up to a 70% reduction during peak hours.
Moreover, ANPR enhances security by alerting operators to unauthorised vehicles or those on watchlists.
Optimising Pre-Paid Parking
Gone are the days of lost tickets and disputed fees. ANPR brings clarity and convenience to pre-paid parking by automatically recognising pre-paid vehicles and granting access without driver intervention.
The system offers flexible payment options, allowing drivers to pay in advance online, through mobile apps, or at on-site terminals.
For those who exceed their pre-paid time, the system can automatically calculate additional fees, payable at exit or online.
Maximising Space Utilisation
ANPR doesn't just control access; it helps parking operators optimise their space.
By tracking real-time occupancy data, the system can guide drivers to open spots and help operators manage capacity effectively.
Analysis of entry and exit data allows operators to identify peak times and adjust staffing or pricing accordingly. ANPR also simplifies the management of reserved spaces for VIPs, employees, or electric vehicles.
Coupled with an effective parking management system software, this can offer a cost-effective solution to manage parking spaces and congestion on site.
What Industries Can Benefit From ANPR Barriers?
To keep it simple, there is a broad range of industries and business types that can utilise ANPR for Barriers and benefit from having a physical and automated barrier.
Below we have highlighted just a few common examples of where you would find ANPR for Barriers.
- Private Car Parks
- Company Car Parks
- Police Forces
- Contract Parking
- Hotels
- Distribution Centres
- Prisons
- Hospitals
- Freeports and Storage Locations
- Security
- Gyms, Health Clubs, and Sport Centres
- Fleet Management
- Holiday Parks and Caravan Sites
Number Plate Recognition technology has even been more recently used in Low Emission Zones around London as a form of traffic management.
The ANPR for Barriers Industry
As you can see, Automatic Number Plate Recognition for Barriers are prevalent across a plethora of industries and are not limited to just car parks as some people believe.
ANPR technology has come a long way since its original inception and continues to develop and shape the way we approach vehicle access control.
