Caravan identification

BrianLambert
BrianLambert Forum Participant Posts: 16
edited June 2017 in Caravans #1

Hi all, a question for those in the know. I am thinking of putting a reference number on the roof of my 'van. The question is does any one know if the ANPR cameras on motorways can search for any numbers, ie part of the 'van's VIN number, or only car registration numbers?
As they say, TIA Brian

Comments

  • G Cherokee
    G Cherokee Forum Participant Posts: 402
    100 Comments
    edited June 2017 #2

    Ok, so this is how I understand how ANPR works.

    A camera with number recognition software takes a photograph of a target number plate. The camera can be mounted in a vehicle, or, used in conjunction with CCTV.

    The software will only pick up Number plate lettering (maybe the reflective background is a factor). The camera will then send the image back to the police database, and the results are sent back to a reciever for the operator to see.

     

    But as I am not a traffic police hossifer, or a computer whizz, someone may very well come along and blow my theory straight out the water!

  • JVB66
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
    1000 Comments
    edited June 2017 #3

    I do not think cameras will pick up any roof mounted numbers as they are designed to pick up much lower mounted number plates,and a specific size and spacing of the figures,hence an MOT failure if not to spec,

  • ValDa
    ValDa Forum Participant Posts: 3,004
    1000 Comments
    edited June 2017 #4

    Can I ask who or what the identification numbers are for?  What are you hoping will happen if you put them on the roof?  Is it intended as an anti-theft device?  Are you imagining a scenario where it is stolen and a police helicopter is able to identify it from the air, or motorway gantries follow it's progress down the M1?  

    If we knew more what you were hoping to achieve it might be easier to give advice.

  • Nuggy
    Nuggy Forum Participant Posts: 512
    edited June 2017 #5

    I have read suggestions for putting their post code on the roof of the unit, which could be read by helicopter observers, but not ANPR.

  • PrestonDave
    PrestonDave Forum Participant Posts: 67
    edited June 2017 #6

    Putting a post code on the roof could also tell the burglars you are away from home.

  • Metheven
    Metheven Club Member Posts: 3,987 ✭✭✭
    1,500 Likes 1000 Comments
    edited June 2017 #7

    Those pesky burglars have helicopters now surprised

  • BrianLambert
    BrianLambert Forum Participant Posts: 16
    edited June 2017 #8

    Sorry about the delay in replying and thank you for the responces. I don't think that even my local police would launch a helicopter for a stolen caravan! But was wondering if a roof ident could be tracked  using ANPR cameras. I was hoping for an answer from someone who had definite knowledge. Thanks for all your thoughts, there are advertisments on EBay for decals for this purpose, I just wondered if they would work.

    Regards Brian 

     

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