Australian Government Revs up LPR

CrimTrac, the Australian government's criminal information and intelligence agency, is taking the first steps toward developing a nationwide automatic number plate recognition system to capture the vehicle details of suspects and citizens alike.

"We looked at the U.K. experience as part of the study; it's probably the most advanced integration of ANPR technology anywhere in the world, and we'll draw on those experiences, but primarily it will have to suit the Australian context," said Darren Booy, ANPR Project Manager for CrimTrac.

Australia is studying its Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system to determine the feasibility of implementing a national network. If approved the rollout should take one to four years. With regards to civil liberties, the study will also include a comprehensive privacy impact assessment after widespread use of the technology overseas raised the concerns of privacy
advocates.