Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) sounds simple: a camera captures a plate and the barrier opens. But anyone working in vehicle access control knows it’s rarely that straightforward. One of the underestimated challenges? The wide variety of license plates around the world. What seems like a minor detail can have a major impact on system performance. From global differences in plate design to real-world visibility issues, license plate variability is something no ANPR system can ignore.
The reality: Not all license plates are created equal
Every country – and sometimes even regions within a country – uses different license plate formats, fonts, colors, layouts, and languages. Consider:
- Different sizes and fonts: from long EU-style plates to compact square designs
- Special symbols or multilingual characters: such as Arabic or Cyrillic scripts
- Unique layouts: including vertical stacking, unusual spacing, or color-coded formats for electric or diplomatic vehicles
Even within one country, customized plates, vanity numbers, or worn-out plates create a broad range of recognition scenarios.
And then there’s real-world usage…
On top of all that, real-life conditions introduce even more complexity:
- Dirty or damaged plates caused by mud, snow, or scratches
- Plates that are poorly positioned or partially blocked by accessories like bike racks
- Plates at difficult angles, especially when vehicles approach on inclines or curves
Each of these factors can seriously impact recognition rates, leading to delays, denied access, or false approvals.
Built on experience: how Nedap tackles these ANPR challenges
At Nedap, we understand that reliable ANPR starts with understanding plate variability. That’s why we go beyond the camera and focus on the full context of the application:
- Global field experience – With projects from North America to Australia, and everywhere in between, we deliver secure access solutions across the globe.
- Smart recognition algorithms – Trained to deal with diverse and non-standard plates.
- Local fine-tuning – We adapt systems to match the plates and conditions at each site.
- Trusted advice – Our experts support with setup, positioning, and system design.
This blend of field expertise and smart technology is what sets us apart as the global leader in long-range vehicle identification.
ANPR Lumo: Designed for plate diversity
Nedap’s ANPR Lumo camera was built with plate variability in mind. The ANPR Lumo is an all-in-one, advanced license plate camera for fast vehicle identification and access control. It’s designed to perform even when:
- Plates are dirty, customized, or poorly positioned
- Vehicles drive at high speeds or approach from tricky angles
- Lighting conditions are poor due to weather or time of day
With powerful onboard recognition software and high-quality optics, ANPR Lumo processes plates without the need for external servers. The camera is easy to integrate with access control and parking systems, helping security professionals achieve consistent recognition results, even in unpredictable conditions.
License plate variability is not a minor obstacle: it’s a daily reality. But with the right technology and the right expertise, it doesn’t have to be a problem.
Curious how ANPR Lumo performs at your location?
Let’s talk. Our experts are here to help you choose the right solution. Or book a digital training session to get started right away.
