Automated license plate recognition (ALPR) software is being expanded to all of York Regional Police's frontline vehicles.
The system uses the Axon in-car cameras that are already in all 230 frontline police vehicles. The camera automatically reads license plates in view of the camera and alerts the officer on patrol if there is an infraction associated with that plate.
This includes:
- Stolen licence plates
- Misuse of licence plates
- Driving while disqualified
- Driving while suspended
- Persons wanted on warrants
- Amber Alerts
- Other serious crimes
The officer then must confirm that information with various police and ministry systems before conducting a traffic stop or any enforcement.
The software program has been in use at YRP since 2019 but is now being expanded to all frontline vehicles.
“York Regional Police continues to leverage innovative technology to find efficiencies in our service delivery,” Chief Jim MacSween said. “Expanding the ALPR system will improve the ability of our officers to identify drivers and vehicles operating in violation of the Highway Traffic Act, ultimately making our roads safer for all road users.”
York Regional Police said any information collected through the automated license plate recognition system is "for the purposes of roadside-related law enforcement, in accordance with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and consistent with our obligations under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection and Privacy Act."
YRP also follows the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario’s guidance on the use of this system.
With the expansion of this system, vehicle owners are also reminded that despite license plate stickers and fees being eliminated for passenger vehicles, light-duty trucks, motorcycles and mopeds are still required to renew their license plate for no cost through Service Ontario. This can be completed online.
