ANPR: Automatic Number Plate Recognition

Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) is a surveillance technology used by police forces across England and Wales to read vehicle registration plates and check them instantly against databases of vehicles of interest. ANPR cameras are deployed on major roads, at police-designated strategic locations, in mobile police vehicles, and at fixed locations such as petrol station forecourts and car parks. The system reads the registration plate, records the date, time, and location, and checks the plate against the Police National Computer (PNC) and other databases.

A "hit" alerts the officer that the vehicle is of interest: it may be stolen, linked to a wanted person, uninsured, untaxed, or connected to a crime. Officers can then stop the vehicle under section 163 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. ANPR data (including "no hit" reads) is retained in the National ANPR Data Centre for up to two years, on the basis that historical journey data may be relevant to future investigations.

The use of ANPR is governed by the Data Protection Act 2018, the Surveillance Camera Code of Practice issued under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, and the College of Policing's APP on ANPR. The Surveillance Camera Commissioner oversees the use of ANPR in accordance with the Code of Practice, which requires that the use of surveillance camera systems (including ANPR) is proportionate, legitimate, necessary, and transparent.

ANPR has been described by the National Police Chiefs' Council as one of the most valuable tools in policing. It supports: the detection of stolen vehicles, the apprehension of wanted persons, the investigation of serious and organised crime (by mapping the movements of suspects), counter-terrorism, and the enforcement of road traffic legislation (particularly uninsured vehicles). However, it has also attracted criticism from civil liberties organisations, who argue that the mass collection and retention of vehicle movement data amounts to a form of surveillance of the general population. The two-year retention period has been particularly contentious.