Types of ANPR Cameras In The UK: Which Type Fits Your Site?

Written by: Magnus Träff, Chief Technology Officer, Intelli-Park 

If you’ve read our guide “how does ANPR work”, you’ll already know the basics of how ANPR cameras operate. This article focusses on the types of ANPR cameras we deploy in the UK, and why you would choose one type over another.

“The need for reliable capture is only growing. In the UK, there were 41.6 million licensed road vehicles in Q3 2025.”

The Quick Answer

In most sites, your options fall into three practical camera types:

• Fixed, long-range ANPR cameras for entry and exit capture
• 360° monitoring cameras for full-site visibility and contravention monitoring
• Solar and 4G cameras for hotspot monitoring where power or data is limited

Each type solves a different problem. The best results come from matching the camera to the site.

Contents

• What Makes ANPR Capture Reliable
• Type 1: Entry And Exit Long-Range ANPR Cameras
• Type 2: Full-Site Monitoring Cameras
• Type 3: Hotspot Monitoring With Solar And 4G
• Which Camera Type Fits Which Scenario?
• Installation Factors That Matter More Than Specs
• Data Protection Basics For ANPR And Monitoring
• FAQs: Types Of ANPR Cameras UK

What Makes ANPR Capture Reliable

Different camera types exist because sites behave differently. Lane width, turning angles, glare, speed, and distance all affect image quality.

UK national ANPR standards set a clear benchmark for performance in their context: 98% capture of visible plates and 95% accurate reads of captured plates under defined conditions. These standards are for policing, not private parking.

Type 1: Entry And Exit Long-Range ANPR Cameras

What This Camera Type Is

This is a fixed ANPR camera designed for reliable number plate capture at entry and exit points.

When To Use It

Use this type when you need dependable time-stamped reads to support:

• Ticketless paid parking journeys
• Permit checks
• Validations
• Evidence-led reviews

What Makes It Different

A strong entry and exit camera set-up focuses on:

• Correct distance and lens selection
• A clean capture zone
• Consistent day and night performance

The Camera We Use for This Type

For entry and exit applications, we use the ARVOO Axxess Ruby Long Range AI ANPR Camera. It is built for parking and access control use cases, with an AI-led approach designed to support high-accuracy recognition.

Type 2: Full-Site Monitoring Cameras

What This Camera Type Is

This is a “dome” style camera that supports wide coverage across a site. It is often used where you want full visibility, not just perimeter capture.

When To Use It

Choose this type when you need to monitor multiple on-site areas, such as:

• EV bays
• Loading bays and drop-off zones
• Hatched areas and no-parking zones
• Double yellow lines and restricted areas

What Makes It Different

This type of camera supports 360° monitoring and can include embedded number plate recognition capabilities depending on configuration and set-up. It suits sites where behaviour across the car park matters, not only entry and exit.

How We Use It

We adapt this camera type with our own software and deploy it as View360. View360 can run as a standalone monitoring tool, or alongside ANPR and other solutions. It can be configured to monitor most on-site areas.

Type 3: Hotspot Monitoring Cameras

What This Camera Type Is

This is a compact camera designed for flexible deployment. It uses solar power and 4G connectivity, which supports sites where fixed power or network access is limited.

When To Use It

Use this type to target specific problem areas, such as:

• Roadway parking
• Hatched zones
• EV bays
• Repeated misuse hotspots

What Makes It Different

This camera type supports wire-free deployment through solar and 4G, plus event-based capture using sensing and embedded AI. It can be a practical option when you want coverage quickly, or when you cannot justify civil works.

How We Use It

We adapt this camera type with our own software and deploy it as eCam. It is designed to protect EV bays and no-parking zones and support compliance in targeted areas.

Which Camera Type Fits Which Scenario?

Single-Lane Entry and Exit

Start with a fixed long-range ANPR camera. This gives reliable perimeter reads and visit durations.

Large Sites With Multiple Priority Areas

Add full-site monitoring where you need visibility across bays and zones, not only entry and exit.

Sites With Persistent Hotspots and Limited Infrastructure

Use solar and 4G hotspot monitoring for targeted areas, especially where power or connectivity is the barrier.

Installation Factors That Matter

Camera type is important, but a good set-up is critical in achieving the desired result. The most common causes of poor reads are glare, angle, distance, and dirty lenses.

“Selecting the right camera, lens, and angle gives ANPR the best chance of capturing a clear image. We use the built-in UI to dial in focus, use built-in AI to flag image issues, and keep lenses and sensors clear with proactive maintenance.”

Damian Bayly, Engineering, Facilities & Maintenance Manager | Intelli-Park

Data Protection Basics For ANPR and Monitoring

ANPR can involve personal data in many contexts, so governance matters. The ICO highlights expectations around transparency, retention, access controls, and handling subject access requests.

Include clear signage, keep retention proportionate, and set out who can access records and why.

FAQs: Types Of ANPR Cameras UK

What are the main types of ANPR cameras used in UK parking?

In most car park environments, the practical types are entry and exit ANPR cameras, full-site monitoring cameras, and hotspot monitoring cameras that support flexible deployment.

Do I need more than one camera type?

Often, yes. Entry and exit capture gives visit data. Full-site and hotspot monitoring supports bay and zone protection. (Intelli Park)

Can a full-site monitoring camera replace entry and exit ANPR?

Not usually. Entry and exit ANPR is designed for consistent perimeter capture. Full-site monitoring is best for bay and zone visibility.

Why would I choose a solar and 4G camera?

It suits sites where power or network access is difficult. It also works well for targeted monitoring of repeat hotspots.

How do I choose the right set-up?

Start with site goals, then assess lane layout, distance, lighting, and where contraventions happen most often. A site survey makes selection easier.

Ready To Choose The Right Camera Type?

If you want help mapping camera types to your site layout, email [email protected]. We’ll recommend a set-up that fits your needs.

Author Bio

Magnus Träff leads technology development at Intelli-Park, with a background in founding and leading technology businesses and building products across R&D and software-led solutions