What is Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and How is it Used at UK Airports?

If you’ve parked at a UK airport recently, you may have noticed there’s often no need to collect a ticket or queue at a barrier. Your car glides up to the entry point, a camera flashes, and the barrier opens automatically — or in some cases, there’s no barrier at all.

This is all thanks to Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology.

But what exactly is ANPR, how does it work, and how is it used to make airport parking more efficient across the UK’s major airports?

Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), sometimes known as Licence Plate Recognition (LPR), is a technology that uses cameras and computer software to read vehicle registration plates automatically.

The system converts the plate into digital information, allowing it to check a database and trigger specific actions — such as lifting a barrier, logging entry time, or confirming payment.

While ANPR has been around since the 1970s, today’s systems use high-definition infrared cameras and optical character recognition (OCR) software to read number plates with incredible accuracy — even in poor weather or darkness.

How Does ANPR Work?

ANPR systems follow four main steps:

1. Image Capture – A camera captures an image of your number plate as your vehicle approaches the car park or forecourt.
2. Plate Detection – The system locates the number plate within the image.
3. Character Recognition – Optical Character Recognition converts the plate’s letters and numbers into text data.
4. Database Matching – The system checks that number against a database, such as a list of pre-booked airport parking customers or a payment record.

All of this happens in seconds, ensuring that vehicles move in and out smoothly without human intervention.

Where is ANPR Used in the UK?

ANPR has become part of everyday life across the UK, used for:

• Law enforcement – Police track stolen or uninsured vehicles.
• Toll roads and congestion zones – Drivers are billed automatically without stopping.
• Retail and leisure parking – Shopping centres and cinemas use ANPR for time tracking.
• Private access control – Businesses and residential developments use it for secure entry.
• Airport parking – Where it offers the biggest customer benefits, helping millions of travellers every year.

How ANPR Works in Airport Parking

UK airports are among the most advanced users of ANPR technology. It supports everything from drop-off forecourts to short-stay, long-stay, and meet & greet parking.

1. Forecourt Drop-Off Zones

Many major airports, including Gatwick, Stansted, and Birmingham, have introduced barrier-less ANPR systems on their forecourts.

When you enter, the cameras automatically log your number plate and time of arrival. If your airport parking booking includes the forecourt drop-off fee, you can simply drive through — there’s no barrier or ticket.

If your booking doesn’t include the fee, you’ll need to pay online within a set time window (usually by midnight the next day) or register an account for automatic payments.

This system keeps the forecourt moving smoothly, minimising congestion at busy terminals.

Example:

• Gatwick Airport – ANPR cameras monitor vehicles entering the forecourt. Payment can be made online, via autopay, or it’s included in certain parking products.
• Stansted Airport – Uses a similar setup, with drivers required to pay online unless the drop-off fee is covered in their booking.

2. Short-Stay and Multi-Storey Car Parks

In short-stay or terminal parking, ANPR cameras are typically linked to automatic barriers.

When you drive in, the system recognises your number plate and logs your entry time. If you’ve pre-booked your parking, the barrier opens automatically. If not, you can take a ticket or pay before leaving.

On exit, your number plate is scanned again, your duration is calculated, and — if pre-paid — the barrier lifts instantly.

This system helps airports like Heathrow and Manchester handle thousands of daily visitors without delays, while also improving accuracy in billing.

3. Long-Stay and Park & Ride Car Parks

In long-stay airport parking, ANPR cameras are almost always paired with barriers for controlled access.

When you arrive at the entry point, the system recognises your registration and lifts the barrier if you’ve pre-booked. Your number plate acts as your “digital ticket” — no paper required.

If you’re using a Park & Ride service, ANPR allows the operator to log your vehicle securely while you’re away, providing both efficiency and peace of mind.

Example:

• Gatwick Long Stay Car Park – Barriers lift automatically for pre-booked vehicles using ANPR.
• Birmingham Long Stay – Uses ANPR to verify booking details and calculate stay duration.

4. Meet & Greet Services

For meet & greet airport parking, ANPR ensures a smooth handover between you and the parking provider.

As soon as you pull up in the designated area, cameras record your arrival time and registration. When you return from your trip, the system helps staff retrieve your vehicle quickly — often before you even reach the exit.

Benefits of ANPR for Airport Parking

ANPR technology brings major benefits for travellers and airport operators alike:

• Fast and frictionless entry/exit – No tickets or cash required.
• Accurate billing – Automatic calculation of stay duration.
• Security – Every vehicle is logged on entry and exit.
• Reduced congestion – No queues at barriers or pay machines.
• Eco-friendly – Less idling and lower emissions.
• Customer convenience – Perfect for pre-booked and last-minute travellers alike.

For airports handling tens of thousands of vehicles daily, these advantages are essential to keeping traffic flowing smoothly.

Data and Privacy Considerations

Because ANPR involves capturing and storing vehicle data, UK airports must comply with the Data Protection Act and GDPR.

Information is used only for legitimate purposes — such as billing or security — and retained only for as long as necessary.

Passengers benefit from a faster, more reliable experience, without compromising their privacy.

Why ANPR is Essential for Modern Airport Parking

From barrier-less forecourts to pre-booked long-stay car parks, ANPR is transforming how we park at UK airports.

The technology removes hassle, improves security, and helps airports operate more efficiently — all while giving travellers the freedom to arrive and leave seamlessly.

Next time you drive into an airport car park and the barrier lifts without you lifting a finger, you’ll know exactly what’s happening — and why ANPR is now an essential part of airport parking across the UK.

By Stephen Forster at 28 Oct 2025