Unity5: The ANPR Parking System That’s Ideal for Remote Car Parks

Car Park Operators running multiple sites are using software that allows them and their teams to monitor sites with a truly robust system, via an easy to use dashboard loaded with insightful analytics and reports. Cost-effective ANPR cameras are boosting their site coverage and business while at the same time protecting their staff.

At Unity5 we’re proud to be selected by UK Car Park Operators and businesses for ANPR-powered car parking management solutions that saves them money, time and stress. Our award-winning ANPR parking system for digital patrolling called ‘Bay Monitoring’, reduces administrative costs using end-to-end parking management software, guiding the progression of parking contraventions through their full lifecycles.

Tell me more about ANPR camera systems

An ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) camera system is a smart solution for monitoring and managing car parks. It uses optical character recognition (OCR) technology to read vehicle registration plates automatically and cross-check them against databases for enforcement, access control, or data collection. Unity5’s ANPR system is part of their Zatpark enforcement software, creating a seamless process…

• Vehicle Detection – ANPR cameras are positioned at entry and exit points to capture number plates as vehicles enter and leave.
• Number Plate Recognition – Unity5’s Zatpark software processes the images using OCR to extract the number plate information.
• Data Processing – The captured plate is cross-referenced with a database (a list of permitted vehicles, paid parking sessions, or overstayers).
• Enforcement & Access Control – If a vehicle is unauthorised (e.g., no valid ticket or permit), Unity5’s Zatpark software can trigger alerts or automate penalty issuance.
• Seamless Payments – Integrates seamlessly with pay-by-phone apps or online portals, allowing customers to pay for their stay without needing a physical ticket.

A Reliable and Cost-Effective system for Landowners

Bay Monitoring offers landowners the ability to monitor parking bays effectively 24/7, ensuring that designated spaces are used for their intended purpose, whether for short-term or long-term use. The added benefit of integrating DVLA checks also reduces the risk of misuse and ensures that parking policies are followed.

A versatile system that’s ideal for sites in remote locations

Bay Monitoring simplifies compliance enforcement by providing real-time data and actionable insights into bay usage. The Bay Monitoring ANPR parking system ensures that reserved bays and even EV bays are protected, freeing up spaces for those who need them. Unity5’s Bay Monitoring is ideal for sites in remote locations, as solar-powered ANPR cameras can enable 24/7 digital patrolling and removes the headache of having no available power source. It’s also suited to sites with a mix of different types of parking spaces.

From the initial capture, through to ticket issuing, appeals and debt resolution, Unity5’s Bay Monitoring makes management of your parking bays simple and easy. You can customise your specific parking policy and rules right down to each individual site you manage, providing the right level of proactive bay enforcement for every location or situational required.

Stress-free parking for your customers

ANPR parking technology creates a stress-free and convenient experience for drivers. They will be able to park conveniently in a secure space, with peace of mind that the car park is being continually monitored.

Is integration easy?

But if you are already using ANPR cameras, is there software that integrates with your existing setup? Unity5’s Bay Monitoring integrates with a number of cameras including budget-friendly options. Being camera agnostic allows Bay Monitoring to be tailored to your individual site requirements. Some of the camera suppliers that our flexible Bay Monitoring solution supports are:

• Vaxtor
• NVA
• Suilvision
• Reolink

With more integrations to come soon, these cameras are ideal for smaller sites, remote sites or high-risk areas prioritising cost-effectiveness.

No power, no problem

ANPR cameras can be powered with only one network cable. Thanks to the advanced power over Ethernet technology, a single cable manages both data and a stable power supply, eliminating the need for multiple wires. Setting up these cameras is easy, even for beginners and Unity5’s trusted suppliers offer knowledge and support.

Solar-powered cameras offer continuous, eco-friendly power, and reduce the need for frequent battery replacements or wiring for electricity. They are especially useful in areas with ample sunlight. Many models use WiFi or where that isn’t available – 4G connectivity. Recommended security camera systems are weatherproof, making them perfect for outdoor use.

Will I need barriers?

Our ANPR camera system means that you don’t need a barrier for your car park, because all vehicles entering and exiting your car park are captured on camera. This means there is less to go wrong and less maintenance with much more convenience for your car park users.

What sort of maintenance is required?

There is no maintenance required as the entire car park management system runs remotely. However, in the unlikely event of any problems, our Technical support team is on hand to answer any questions. We offer onboarding and training, to ensure that everyone understands the system.

Why should I set up an ANPR camera system and software for my car parks?

• Improved Compliance & Enforcement – Enforces against unauthorised parking and ensures compliance with PCN (Penalty Charge Notice) issuance and payment or permit rules.
• Increased Revenue – Reduces revenue loss from unpaid stays and enables dynamic pricing or pre-booking.
• Lower Operational Costs – Reduces the need for physical attendants and manual ticket checks.
• 24/7 Digital Patrolling – No barriers or wardens and works in all weather conditions.
• Seamless Customer Experience – Supports ticketless parking, reduces queues and improves user convenience.
• Enhanced Security – Provides real-time 24/7 monitoring and can integrate with security systems to track suspicious vehicles.
• Protection of Staff – Tickets are issued through the post, removing potential conflict with parking wardens.
• Easy to use Dashboard – Parking Operators have full access to a parking ‘Allow List’, so you can manage who can park.
• Valuable Data Insights – Generates reports on vehicle turnover, peak usage times, and customer behaviour, helping with strategic planning.

Where can Unity5’s Digital Patrolling system be used?

Unity5 offers enforcement and permit solutions to a host of private sector businesses including healthcare providers, universities, hotels, residential sites, retailers and restaurants and pubs.

Unity5 make the complex simple

While working with parking operators and landowners for 14 years, Unity5’s trusted native SaaS (Software as a Service) solution Zatpark, offers flexibility, scalability, and adaptability. From the initial capture, through to ticket issuing, appeals and debt resolution, Unity5’s Digital Patrolling system makes management of your parking bays simple and easy. You can customise your specific parking policy and rules right down to each individual site you manage, providing the right level of proactive bay enforcement for every location or situation as required.

Get in touch with our friendly experts and we can arrange a trial for you to see Digital Patrolling in action!

About Unity5

Unity5 is the creator of Zatpark - SaaS Solutions For Parking, Enforcement and Environmental Management - Designed for private parking companies and public sector bodies, Zatpark delivers world-class features completely controlling and automating the full lifecycle of parking enforcement data, from issue to recovery action and every step in-between. Built-in ANPR, Moving Traffic Violation Management and dedicated Permit and Kiosk solutions, Zatpark, Zatmobile, Zatpermit, Zatenviro, and Zatpark Flexible Enforcement provide end-to-end management of all your PCN and FPN activities.