At Zaladium, we take a proactive, comprehensive, and adaptable approach to security. One lesser-known element of our surveillance toolbelt includes security cameras that use algorithms to capture license plates.
All security camera systems are not the same and do not offer the same capabilities or benefits. Cameras with license plate recognition technology (LPR) can be particularly beneficial for specific businesses within high traffic areas and differ from regular security cameras. LPR technology involves higher resolutions, a program to read and capture License plates, and strategic placement – all of which should be implemented by an experienced security specialist for optimal use.
When considering how to best protect your commercial property, license plate security camera technology may not cross your mind. We’ll break down just why it can be a practical addition to any surveillance plan, whether it’s to protect your property after hours or making sure things run smoothly during high traffic hours.
What are License Plate Recognition Cameras?
License plate recognition cameras are cameras that are made specifically to identify vehicles due to their higher resolution and strategic placement. LPR security cameras, like the ones we use at Zaladium, have special programs written within the software that teach themselves to read and capture license plates as they pass by. This is the newest technology available to view license plates.
We only employ the latest technology when it comes to 24/7 live video monitoring services, meaning our customers only get the best from Zaladium. We have a variety of HD digital/ IP cameras that have pan-tilt-zoom up to 30x available as well as night vision capabilities – (in color in well-lit areas). This can be instrumental in identifying threats and collecting evidence to be used in criminal proceedings as we actively watch over your property with a camera operator overnight.
Cameras with license plate recognition capabilities are a great asset for many businesses and settings such as parking lots that require permits, parking garages, drive-throughs, construction sites, monitored entry stations or gates, toll booths, residential communities, retail centers, car washes, parking lots with multiple entries/exits, and more. They are particularly strong assets for businesses looking to secure restricted areas, monitor entrances, and enforcing parking regulations, time limits, and reserved spaces.
Where and How to Install License Plate Capture Cameras
Technology is just the first step to having security cameras capture license plates on your commercial property. The strategy behind how to use them will play a large role in determining the success of your surveillance.
Your security cameras must be placed at the proper angles, installed correctly, and in strategic positions to do their job. Installed too high? They won’t see a plate. Too far away? They won’t zoom in well enough.
Ensure your license plate capture cameras are installed and set up by a professional like us at Zaladium so they do the best job possible.
Deciding on the Best Location for LPR Camera
The placement of your license plate security camera will depend on factors such as angle of view, the speed of the vehicle, and even potential blind spots. Each of these can either make or break your entire operation.
Firstly, it’s important to note that a single camera can’t perform all the security functions needed to protect property, in most cases you need a system of four at a minimum. Especially when it comes to capturing license plates, you’ll want security cameras that are specifically homed in on high traffic areas only to recognize license plates. You also need a couple that gives a broader view of your property so that we can better protect you from threats. How can you ensure that your cameras are doing what they need to?
- Angle: You must ensure the angle of the camera does not make lt hard to read a LP. The professionals here at Zaladium know just how high, and what angle to point our cameras so glare and other factors do not disrupt our service for you when you need it most.
- Speed: You must have your LPR camera pointed in places where vehicles are going speeds that are able to actually capture the LP. Nothing is more frustrating than seeing the suspect vehicle zoom by your camera at a speed that the camera is unable to capture the plate due to blurring.
- Chokepoints: Chokepoints are simply the entry and exit points of your business. The position and conditions of where your property’s chokepoints are located will also play an important role in the planning of placement for your license plate recognition cameras.
- Weather conditions: Your equipment, its maintenance, and performance will also be affected by the weather. Environmental damage from the sun, wind, rain, dust, salt (in marine environments), snow, ice, and water can all take a toll on your security system and can impact the readability of any license plate captures. There are weatherproofing measures we can take to protect your cameras and increase their longevity. With the tenants on the property (or yourself) able to call us 24/7 and report any damage you may see in person, and our ability to come out and fix it any time, proper maintenance can be done so that the system never lapses in its service for you.
- Day and night lighting: Weather aside, we must also consider the conditions and time of day. While your main concern may be getting a clear image at night, we are just as concerned about the reflectivity of objects during the day and how they may impede the image we’re able to obtain. Additionally, you’ll want to ensure that your tech can balance the darkness of the night with the glare of any lights, which can make it tough to read a license plate too. Luckily, we here at Zaladium strive for success and will constantly do whatever is necessary to achieve the perfect view needed (even if that means coming out repeatedly for a week to adjust things slightly).
As you can see, there are several complicated factors that can affect the efficiency and performance of your security cameras to capture license plates. Consulting with an experienced surveillance expert will be essential.
Privacy Concerns and Security Camera Systems
While license plate recognition technology is a wonderful tool and has many security benefits, it does not come without responsibility. There is some concern around the invasion of privacy when it comes to reading license plate numbers and tracking movements. In most jurisdictions, license plates are usually considered to be public information that is legal to capture on video or film without a posted notice or need of consent from the driver of the vehicle.
However, it’s worth taking some time to research if your county has any specific restrictions or rules that should be taken into consideration. As Zaladium has years of experience in securing the Houston area, our experienced surveillance team can discuss this further with you during your free security assessment.
Enhance Your Security Camera System with License Plate Capture
When implementing license plate recognition into your security and surveillance plan, you’ll want to get the right balance of technology and strategy. During your security assessment, our security experts will show you just how license plate recognition security can protect your property.
Get in touch with our commercial surveillance experts today to learn how we can help secure your Houston business. We’ll walk you through the best recommendations to secure your property with license plate reader technology.
