How Automatic Number Plate Recognition Can Speed Up Traffic Flow

In this modern day and age, there are already various ways how you can get to your destination from where you are. On a day-to-day basis, you can either take the train to get to your workplace or drive a car. When it comes to the latter, you are most likely taking the same route daily. However, there are instances wherein you may be stuck in traffic due to unforeseen circumstances in the traffic flow. This is where automatic number plate recognition can prove to be beneficial.

Traffic Flow in Brief

Before delving deeper into automatic number plate recognition, it is worthwhile to understand traffic flow first. By definition, traffic flow aims to understand the interaction between motorists, pedestrians, and infrastructure. These are all factors that need to be considered in developing an optimal transportation network with minimal congestion.

Traffic flow can be classified into two which are the uninterrupted traffic flow, as well as interrupted traffic flow. The former is regulated by interactions between vehicles in a roadway while the latter is regulated by external means such as traffic signals. In terms of an interrupted traffic flow condition, the interaction between vehicles only conforms to a secondary role.

Traffic Flow Management

Traffic flow management, or simply traffic management, is a combination of various measures to enhance traffic capacity and improve the overall reliability and safety of road transport systems. Some of the most common traffic management measures include traveler information services, ramp metering, and speed control, as well as parking and freight management. Even road weather management and route guidance brought about by the automatic number plate recognition technology are examples of traffic management measures.

Impact of Automatic Number Plate Recognition in Traffic Flow

Automatic number plate recognition is an innovative technology that detects and reads the registration plates of vehicles to garner information about a certain location. The information is captured through scanners or cameras. To get a clearer image, the cameras are often paired with infrared illumination.

The image of the registration plates captured is converted into a machine-readable text in a process called optical character recognition (OCR). OCR is not only applicable to ANPR-specific cameras but can also be implemented in traffic enforcement cameras and CCTV. In a gist, ANPR can show where traffic is denser. When drivers get hold of this information, they will be able to strategically choose another route to get them to their destination faster, avoiding being stuck in traffic.

When it comes to traffic flow, automatic number plate recognition can also be used for monitoring, controlling the flow of vehicles through variable speed limits. This is true particularly in smart motorways and toll gates where cameras in different locations are used to calculate journey times. As soon as a vehicle passes a camera, its registration number is captured and converted into a tag. Each time the same vehicle passes through a toll gate, the same tag is generated, calculating the journey times and fees accordingly. This speeds up the flow of vehicles in a toll gate, minimizing the build-up, particularly during rush hours.

Other Applications

• Law Enforcement

Apart from having the opportunity to dodge heavy traffic, automatic number plate recognition technology can also be used by law enforcers to check the average speed of vehicles. In this case, timed images are compared between two different locations of known distance. From there, the speed of the vehicle can be calculated and relevant fines can be issued for overspeeding.

Police also use this technology to deter and disrupt criminal activity either by detecting uninsured vehicles or locating stolen ones. They also leverage this innovative system to solve major cases or organized crime.

In some instances, automatic number plate recognition is specifically implemented in events attended by very important people. In this case, this technology is used in event-logging, identifying the vehicles entering and leaving a specific venue.

• Car Park Management

Automatic number plate recognition can also be used in car park management where timed photographs at the entrance and exit points are captured. This becomes the basis of calculating the parking fee that needs to be settled.

Automatic number plate recognition can have a significant impact on traffic flow and traffic flow management. With this technology, people behind the wheel can make more informed decisions on the most optimal route to take, allowing them to get to their destination faster rather than wasting time stuck in a traffic jam. Just keep in mind that even with this technology, the key to smooth and safe travel is still disciplined driving on the road.