HYD police to launch Automatic number plate recognition software

Hyderabad March 10: Committing a traffic violation and going unnoticed will soon become a difficult thing as the Hyderabad police will acquire an automatic number plate recognition software. The software will send an alert message to the owner of a vehicle within minutes of recording a traffic violation.The Automatic Number plate recognition softwarete Recognition (ANPR) software would help in bringing a change among errant motorists, say police officials. "With linkage between database of road transport authority, command control centre and also Crime and Criminal Tracking Network System (CCTNS), the ANPR will send a text message to the owner of a vehicle within a minute of traffic violation by the vehicle. It can read the registration number even if the vehicle is travelling at a speed of 300 kmph," said a senior police officer of Hyderabad traffic wing. If the software could not identify the registration number for some reason, the vehicle can be identified manually with the help of its colour. It will also give a pop up message in case of duplication of registration numbers, the officer added."Police in China use a similar technology that can also give the route map of a vehicle. We tested the functionality and it was accurate. In hit-and-run cases or that of rash driving, the software helps police track the entire route travelled by the vehicle," additional commissioner (traffic) Jitender said.A similar software is being acquired by Cyberabad police as well. Around 100 cameras dedicated to ANPR technology are being planned for IT Corridor and other major traffic junctions. Cyberabad police said the software will minimise efforts wasted in verifying CCTV footage to trace a vehicle involved in offences."Instead of verifying entire footage, we can search for the particular vehicle using its registration number and images of the vehicle will be retrieved within minutes. It reduces manpower," said Madhapur DCP Vishwa Prasad.