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Why License Plate Recognition is Important for Modern Cities
The management of vehicle traffic in big cities has developed into an intricate operation. The combination of parking facilities and toll booths, and gated residential areas creates ongoing traffic congestion because of human-operated ticketing systems and visual inspection methods. The current outdated ticketing systems create traffic delays and make it harder for managers to handle their work.
License Plate Recognition (LPR) technology revolutionizes this process. The system uses HD cameras with AI-based image processing to identify and store vehicle license plates in real-time operations. The system operates at both highway levels and commercial facilities to enhance operational performance and security, and customer satisfaction.
What Is Plate Number Recognition Technology
A License Plate Recognition (LPR) system operates through the combination of cameras with Optical Character Recognition (OCR) algorithms to perform automatic license plate identification. The OCR engine transforms plate images into text data, which management systems can process.
The system uses database information to execute billing operations and access permission checks, and violation detection. Modern LPR solutions operate through cloud-based data storage, which enables access control system integration for continuous smart city operations.
How a License Plate Recognition System Operates
The installation of LPR systems for parking management starts with placing high-definition cameras at all entry and exit points. The camera system takes a distinct image of each passing vehicle. The OCR software reads plate characters before transmitting this data to a unified management platform. The system grants automatic barrier gate access when it recognizes a registered license plate. The system enables users to make mobile payments through mobile platforms before they leave the facility. The entire process takes only a few seconds to finish, which removes the requirement for human attendance at the site.
Real Case Study: Zhanjiang West High-Speed Railway Station. Zhanjiang West High-Speed Railway Station began its operations on July 1, 2018. The 25,000 square meter facility serves more than 10,000 passengers daily through its 500-space ground-level parking area, making it a major transportation center in southern China. The station management required a parking solution that could handle large traffic flow without congestion. QIGONG Parking Operations proposed a fully unmanned parking solution based on LPR technology and mobile payment.
Client Requirements
- Support efficient entry and exit with real-time plate recognition.
- Allow cash, coins, QR code, and Visa card payments.
- Enable vehicles without license plates to enter through QR code scanning.
- Provide unified backend management for multiple entrances and exits.
- Offer real-time traffic statistics, income reports, and open API integration.
Implementation
QIGONG designed a customized parking system. Entrances are equipped with license plate recognition integrated machines, lane assist cameras, and light pole searchlights for accurate day and night operation.
Vehicles without plates can scan a QR code linked to their payment account to record parking duration and fees. Inside the lot, users can pay with cash, coins, QR code, and a Visa card. Once the payment is complete, they can exit within the allowed free period.
Exits are installed with LPR systems and lane cameras. If the system detects a successful payment, the gate opens automatically. Otherwise, it displays the license plate, parking time, and unpaid amount for quick mobile payment.
All devices are connected to a centralized backend platform, allowing administrators to assign permissions, monitor real-time entry and exit, and generate daily and monthly reports. The system also includes lane monitoring and image records for every vehicle.
This solution helped the station achieve fully automated, ticketless parking while maintaining smooth traffic during peak passenger hours.
Key Benefits for Urban Traffic Management
1. Faster Vehicle Flow
In high-traffic areas such as railway stations, every second counts. LPR systems automate entry and exit completely. Drivers no longer need to collect paper tickets or swipe cards. Frequent users pass seamlessly, while occasional visitors pay through their phones.
2. Real-Time Monitoring and Data Control
All entry and exit records are updated in real time, allowing managers to track traffic density, adjust flow, and monitor payment efficiency. In the case of Zhanjiang West Station, the centralized platform displays total vehicle counts, payment records, and revenue charts instantly.
3. Improved Security and Transparency
Each vehicle’s movement is recorded by both the LPR camera and the backend system. This prevents ticket loss and enables fast retrieval of vehicle data in case of disputes or incidents.
Applications in Daily Operations
Parking Management
Ticketless parking simplifies the experience for both drivers and operators.
| IC/ID Card Parking | Card Scan | Manual |
| LPR Parking System | Automatic Recognition | Fully Automated |
Real-time monitoring of occupancy and payments allows parking operators to reduce manpower and improve efficiency.
Toll Collection and Access Control
At toll booths or gated communities, LPR systems connect with payment gateways. Authorized vehicles pass instantly, while visitors pay digitally. Restricted zones remain secure, with gates opening only for approved license plates.
Technical Highlights of a Modern LPR System
| Recognition Accuracy | ≥ 95% |
| Capture Speed | ≤ 50 ms |
| Supported Plate Types | Single or Double Row |
| Communication Protocols | TCP/IP, RS485 |
| Operating Temperature | -30°C to +70°C |
| Protection Rating | IP66 |
These features enable LPR barrier gates and sliding gates to operate continuously under harsh conditions such as rain, fog, or low light.
FAQ
Q1: Is a car plate recognition system expensive to install?
Installation involves cameras and software, but reduced labor and faster throughput typically make it cost-effective in the long run.
Q2: Can the system work in low-light conditions?
Yes. Infrared cameras or additional lighting ensure stable performance at night.
Q3: How does the system handle vehicles without plates?
Drivers can scan a QR code linked to their mobile payment account to record entry time and calculate parking fees.
Q4: Are LPR systems suitable for outdoor parking lots?
Yes. Most models are rated IP66, protecting them from dust and rain.
Q5: Can LPR improve overall parking security?
Absolutely. Every entry and exit is recorded with timestamped images, improving traceability and security management.
