Autopay: What Is ANPR and How Does It Work In Modern Parking Systems?

Understanding Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and its role in barrier-free parking.

Barrier-free parking is gradually becoming a standard in many European markets. At the same time, there is still uncertainty around what ANPR actually is, how the technology works, and how it can be used responsibly and compliantly in parking operations.

In this article, we explain what ANPR is, how ANPR camera systems function in practice, and why the technology has become a key component of modern, data driven parking management.

What is ANPR?

ANPR stands for Automatic Number Plate recognition. It is a technology that uses cameras and software to identify vehicle registration plates as vehicles enter and exit a defined area, such as a car park, charging site or a controlled access zone.

ANPR is widely used across Europe in applications such as:

• Parking management
• Toll roads
• Low emission and environmental zones
• Access control for private or restricted ares

In parking, ANPR enables ticketless and barrier-free operations, where the vehicle’s number plate replaces physical tickets, access cards or manual registration.

Importantly, ANPR systems are designed for vehicle identification, not personal surveillance. When implemented correctly, they support compliance with data protection regulations such as GDPR by limiting data use strictly to its intended purpose.

How does ANPR camera systems work?

Although ANPR is often described as a single technology, it is in practice a combination of hardware, software and data processing. A modern ANPR-based parking system typically follows these steps:

1) Vehicle detection and image capture

High-quality cameras are installed at entry and exhibit points. When a vehicle passes, the cameras capture a series of images or a live video stream of the vehicle and its number plate. The quality of optics, light conditions, and camera position plays a critical role in ensuring reliable recognition.

Learn how to maximise ANPR readability, lanes and spead. Book a conversation with John, International Sales Manager.

2) Number plate recognition (OCR)

The camera feed is analysed using specialised ANPR software. Through optical character recognition (OCR), the system identifies the character on the number plate and converts them into machine-readable data. This process happens within milliseconds and does not require any actions from the driver.

3) Event creation and time stamping

Once the number plate is recognised, the system creates an event (entry or exit) with a precise timestamp. These events form the basis for:

• Calculating parking duration
• Enabling payments
• Providing operational reporting

4) Data processing and use

The recognised number plate data is processed within the parking platform and used strictly for defined operational purposes, such as billing or compliance reporting. Data retention and access are governed by local regulations and customer specific policies.

Check out our video to see how it works in practice.

Why camera architecture matters: one vs. two cameras

Not all ANPR systems are built in the same way. One important design choice is whether to use a single-camera or dual-camera setup per lane.

A dual-camera configuration captures images from both the front and rear of the vehicle. this approach significantly increase recognition accuracy and system reliability, particularly in challenging condition such as:

• Dirty or partially obstructed number plates
• Vehicles with tow bars, bike racks or trailers
• High traffic volumes or higher vehicle speed

Dual-camera systems are also commonly used in environments where precision is critical, such as toll roads and high-frequency parking facilities.

By separating camera hardware from recognition software, modern platforms can also maintain flexibility in hardware choice and future optimisation, avoiding dependency on proprietary “black box” solutions.

Applications of ANPR beyond parking

While parking is one of the most common use cases, ANPR technology is increasingly used across the wider mobility ecosystem, including:

• EV charging and energy management
• Employee and resident parking authorisation
• Delivery and logistics zones
• Urban access and environmental control areas

This makes ANPR a scalable foundation for cities and operators looking to integrate multiple mobility services on a single platform.

Key Benefits of ANPR-based parking systems

When implemented correctly, ANPR-based parking solutions provide measurable benefits for both operators and end users.

Benefits for operators

• Automation of operations, reducing manual administration
• Improved data quality for reporting and planning
• Lower operational costs through reduced staffing requirements
• Scalability, from small private car parks to large, complex sites

Benefits for drivers

• Ticketless parking, removing queues and physical infrastructure
• Flexible payment options, including post-paid and digital payments
• Faster entry and exit, improving overall user experience

In addition, eliminating paper tickets contributes to more sustainable and environmentally responsible operations.

ANPR, compliance and trust

In markets with strict regulatory requirements, trust and compliance are essential. ANPR systems must be designed with:

• Clear purpose limitation
• Transparent data handling
• Secure storage and controlled access
• Defined retention periods

A compliant ANPR solution supports operators in meeting regulatory obligations while still delivering operational efficiency and a smooth customer experience.

From understanding to evaluation

ANPR technology is not new, but its role in parking has evolved significantly in recent years. Understanding how ANPR works is the first step towards evaluating whether a barrier-free parking solution is suitable for a specific site, market, or regulatory environment.

In the next article, we will explore what to consider when choosing an ANPR-based parking system, including technical, operational, and compliance-related factors. Stay tuned.

 

About Autopay Technologies

Autopay Technologies is transforming the parking industry by developing the world's leading parking management system for parking operators and landowners while also offering a top-tier mobility business platform. We are the leading provider of barrier-free parking solutions in the Nordics.

By choosing Autopay, you are choosing a future of endless possibilities and innovations. Our community of Autopay Operators are not just clients; they are pioneers in the digital revolution of parking. Feel free to reach out, ask questions, or start a conversation.