Automatic Number Plate Recognition rolled out to more QPS vehicles

 

Police Minister Bill Byrne and Superintendent Dale Pointon today announced an increase in the number of Queensland Police Service (QPS) vehicles equipped with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) to enhance road safety and security on Queensland roads.

QPS began trialling ANPR technology in 2012 to boost road policing enforcement.

Since then, ANPR devices have monitored more than 23 million vehicle registration plates.

Mr Byrne said ANPR technology provides police with the ability to detect high volumes of vehicles simultaneously, making Queensland’s roads a safer place.

“It is pleasing to see QPS expand its program to 60 vehicles fitted with ANPR technology statewide,” Mr Byrne said.

“The ANPR technology boosts the ability of police to target the types of reckless and irresponsible drivers that put all road users at risk.

“ANPR sources accurate vehicle information and data that enhances and strengthens road policing enforcement.

“Detections have helped identify vehicles and drivers in connection with hooning-related offences, resulting in the impoundment of 760 vehicles under hoon legislation since 2012.”

ANPR detections have resulted in 780,715 alerts to police of potential offences, 5,877 Notices to Appear and 22,896 Traffic Infringement Notices as at April, 2016.

As of July 1, 60 vehicles have now been equipped with ANPR and assigned to work units including Road Policing Unit (RPU), Tactical Crime Squads (TCS) and Rapid Action Patrols (RAP) throughout the state.

 

 

Currently, the QPS has just under 800 authorised ANPR operators across Queensland.

Superintendent Pointon from Road Policing Command (RPC) said the expansion of ANPR offered significant benefits for both QPS and Queensland drivers.

“ANPR technology provides an increased ability to monitor high volumes of vehicles safely, accurately, immediately and without human error or bias,” he said.

“The device detects vehicles of interest and acts as a screening tool, helping to identify if a vehicle warrants further investigation.”

To support the expansion of such technologies, QPS has installed sufficient numbers of Wireless Access Points (WAP) across the state to optimise connectivity with ANPR vehicles and their projected locations.

These additional WAPs ensure a timely transfer of data and current information to ANPR equipped vehicles and provide broad coverage of all major networks.

Locations of ANPR vehicles:

Far North Queensland                                3

Mount Isa                                                      2

Townsville                                                     3

Mackay                                                          3

Capricornia                                                   4

Wide Bay Burnett                                        4

Sunshine Coast                                            4

North Brisbane                                            8

South Brisbane                                            4

Logan                                                             2

Gold Coast                                                    4

Moreton                                                        2

Ipswich                                                          3

Darling Downs                                             3

Road Policing Command & other Commands    11