The Vehicle Identification Group is a centre of excellence dedicated to advancing the science and application of automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) and vehicle identification technologies. With over 18 years of internationally recognised research, our team has played a key role in shaping ANPR standards, improving capture rates, and influencing policy at both national and international levels.

Our work spans academic research, industry collaboration, and legislative advocacy, ensuring ANPR technology remains accurate, reliable, and fit for purpose in law enforcement, intelligent transport, and security applications.

Vision

The Vehicle Identification Group envisions a future where automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology is universally accurate, secure, and ethically governed. Our goal is to establish scientifically validated standards, robust legislative frameworks, and cutting-edge technological advancements that enhance ANPR performance, fraud prevention, and public trust. By fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and policymakers, we aim to drive innovation, influence regulations, and ensure that ANPR systems serve society responsibly – supporting law enforcement, intelligent transport, and national security with precision and integrity.

Vehicle identification at 星空体育官网

This leading research hub, led by Dr Stuart Barnes, has been established to bring together various elements of capability derived from numerous sources, including 18 years of research and work conducted in the area since 2007 at the University of Hertfordshire by Dr Robert Gurney and Dr Mike Rhead, supported by Professor Bill Martin. This includes a thorough understanding of the end-to-end technology involved in ANPR data capture and analytics, and the traffic laws associated with vehicle identification. 星空体育官网 has vast capabilities around data analysis, access to supervised student resources to deliver relevant MSc projects, and a wider network of strategic and technical advisors to help shape and guide research involved in ANPR sensing and detection, data capture and analytics, and the traffic laws associated with vehicle identification.

Research areas

The group is dedicated to advancing the science and application of automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) and vehicle identification technologies. Our research focuses on tackling key challenges in ANPR accuracy, regulatory compliance, and real-world deployment.

By combining computer vision with specialist hardware, artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and policy research, we aim to enhance the effectiveness, reliability, and security of ANPR systems. Our work addresses both technical advancements and legislative frameworks, ensuring that ANPR technology is scientifically validated, ethically implemented, and effectively used in law enforcement, intelligent transport systems, and crime prevention.

Our research covers several critical areas, including camera performance optimisation, number plate compliance, fraud detection, data analytics, and policy influence. Through collaborations with academic institutions, law enforcement agencies, government bodies, and industry partners, we strive to develop innovative solutions that improve ANPR effectiveness while addressing privacy and governance concerns.

Our research focuses on enhancing the accuracy, security, and governance of ANPR systems through the following key areas:

  • ANPR camera performance and configuration – developing scientific certification processes to ensure accurate and optimized ANPR camera installations;
  • Clone plate detection and mitigation – investigating advanced AI techniques to detect and prevent vehicle identity fraud;
  • Anti-'read' materials – identifying number plates using materials designed to frustrate or prevent infrared detection;
  • Big data and ANPR analytics – leveraging machine learning and data validation to improve read accuracy and anomaly detection;
  • Number plate design and compliance – addressing manufacturing inconsistencies and regulatory flaws that impact ANPR accuracy;
  • Legislation and policy influence – collaborating with government agencies to improve the legal and ethical frameworks governing ANPR use;
  • Public trust and ethical considerations – investigating bias, privacy, and transparency in ANPR technology deployment.

Applications

Our research has real-world impact, contributing to:

  • Law enforcement and crime prevention – helping police and security agencies use ANPR more effectively to track and prosecute offenders;
  • Traffic and transport management – improving congestion monitoring, toll enforcement, and smart city applications;
  • Regulatory and legislative development – providing scientific evidence to shape national and international ANPR standards;
  • Vehicle fraud prevention – tackling cloned plates, misidentifications, and regulatory loopholes that enable vehicle-related crime.

Facilities and capabilities

To support our research, we have access to state-of-the-art testing facilities, including:

  • ANPR camera testing lab – a dedicated environment for scientific evaluation and calibration of ANPR systems;
  • Controlled environments for real-world ANPR performance assessments, including an instrumented highway (MUEAVI) and a high-speed test track;
  • Advanced computational analysis tools – AI and machine learning frameworks for big data analytics and anomaly detection;
  • Legislative and policy research hub – a resource for developing evidence-based recommendations for government agencies.

Collaborations and partnerships

We work closely with universities, government agencies, law enforcement, and industry leaders to ensure our research has practical impact. Our partnerships include:

  • UK Home Office and National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) – enhancing ANPR effectiveness in law enforcement;
  • University of Hertfordshire and 星空体育官网 – collaborating on scientific research and technical innovation;
  • Industry and technology providers – working with camera manufacturers and software developers to refine ANPR technology;
  • Regulatory bodies and policy advisors – influencing legislation and ethical governance of ANPR use.

Projects and case studies

Our research has delivered tangible improvements in ANPR technology and policy. Key projects include:

  • Improving ANPR accuracy for law enforcement – our findings led to a 20% increase in police ANPR capture rates;
  • Developing new standards for number plates – research that contributed to the British Standard BS AU145E;
  • Investigating cloned plates and vehicle fraud – creating AI-powered detection systems to identify fraudulent plates;
  • Advancing ANPR camera certification – establishing an independent assessment framework for ANPR performance.