When it comes to car park management, parking enforcement sits at the forefront of priorities, to ensure the efficient running of the car park and facilitate simple payments. Despite this, it can be tricky to know which system to opt for, from pay and display machines to ANPR parking charge notice administering. The options are seemingly endless; however, the most popular solutions at Countrywide Parking are ANPR ticket systems and warden patrols. As a result, we’ve decided to create a comparative blog detailing the pros and cons of each solution.
Regardless of whether parking is required in a residential, commercial, or hospitality sector, the requirements of every setting are unique. It’s for this reason that parking solutions must be carefully considered before they’re administered. Detailed below are the pros and cons of ANPR and warden patrols.
What is an ANPR Parking System?
Before we can break down the pros and cons of each type of parking enforcement, we must first learn what each is. ANPR stands for automatic number plate recognition, which refers to a “virtual warden” monitoring your car park 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in the absence of onsite staff.
Upon a vehicle entering your car park, the ANPR system will capture the vehicle’s registration plate and log the time of entry. Following this, the camera checks the back-office system for an active whitelist session or begins timing the vehicle’s length of stay. Once the vehicle leaves the car park, the camera will record this and, if a whitelist session hasn’t been detected or a vehicle overstays, a PCN will be issued. Finally, the PCN will be delivered to the motorist.
What are Parking Warden Patrols?
As the name suggests, warden patrols involve the car park being monitored by an on-foot warden. These wardens wear a full uniform and are equipped with ticketing devices to make their presence known. At Countrywide Parking, we provide the country’s leading patrol service, as we’re able to operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Despite this, we’re able to customise the service we provide to accommodate the needs of your business.
The Pros of ANPR
Real-Time Benefits
Perhaps one of the most innovative pros of ANPR is that it provides real-time imaging, which wasn’t the case for historical modes of parking enforcement. Previously, the recording of number plates would take time, as would the distribution of PCNs. On the contrary, ANPR means that number plates can be immediately identified and checked against the database. Consequently, PCNs can be issued within as little as 48 hours.
Automated Service
Although they can be expensive to install, ANPR cameras are cost-effective in the long run, as they don’t require a salary like warden patrols. ANPR cameras are extremely accurate, meaning they allow for an efficient and dependable automated service. Additionally, they’re confrontation-free, meaning that no one is put at risk during the administering of parking fines.
Added Security
The main purpose of ANPR is to create a deterrent for criminal activity, and they do just this. Not only do they effectively prevent motorists from parking unlawfully, but they also allow police to monitor suspicious vehicles. As a result, ANPR is one of the best parking solutions when it comes to complex security.
The Pros of Traffic Warden Patrols
Flexible Enforcement and Allowances
As humans, everything isn’t black and white. There may be instances in which we must park somewhere that isn’t permitted and we’re also prone to human error. Despite this, automated software is incapable of recognising such, which provides warden patrols with an edge. In spite of the negative wrap they get, parking wardens are people too, and can be empathetic towards certain scenarios.
Audited Warning Signage
One of the simplest deterrents from illegal parking is informing motorists that there will be consequences to unlawful parking. When working with Countrywide Parking, alongside our warden patrols, we also provide audited warning signage, ensuring that the parking rules are clear from the offset. As a result, motorists who break the rules will struggle to dispute the charges, as the regulations were laid out to them clearly.
Patrols 24 Hours a Day, Seven Days a Week
Contrary to popular belief, you can actually have an onsite warden available at all times. This makes them perfect for settings that operate outside of sociable hours, meaning that no infringement goes unnoticed.
The Cons of ANPR
Human Behaviour
As previously mentioned, computerised systems are incapable of taking into account human behaviour. Consequently, there is rarely a grace period for cars that enter a car park, fail to find a space, and leave. Similarly, should one mistype their registration number into the system, the camera will fail to recognise this and fine them.
Extreme Circumstances
Adverse weather conditions such as snow or heavy rain can skew the perception of the ANPR camera, meaning they struggle to function in extreme circumstances. This could ultimately result in overcharging and fines.
Privacy Concerns
Many motorists aren’t keen on the premise that their data is stored for months, especially when this data could be leaked or misused when in the wrong hands. Despite this, you can rest assured that your data is in safe hands with the Countrywide Parking team.
The Cons of Car Park Warden Patrols
Abuse of Wardens
As previously mentioned, parking wardens haven’t received the best reputation. Due to the frustration of receiving a parking ticket, motorists may verbally, or even physically, lash out at the parking wardens. Our wardens at Countrywide Parking are trained to deal with this sort of abuse; however, it’s by no means an ideal situation.
Aspects Will Go Unseen
Although we provide 24-hour patrols, one warden simply can’t be everywhere at once. When dealing with one vehicle, another vehicle that’s in breach of the rules may go unnoticed. Despite this, our wardens try to have their eyes on all areas at all times.
No Database
ANPR systems have a greater database in which they can discover the status of vehicles. Warden patrols don’t have this same luxury, meaning they’re not blessed with a greater awareness of cars associated with criminal activity.
Secure Your Car Park with Countrywide Parking
Here at Countrywide Parking, we offer all manner of parking enforcement solutions. Contact us to learn more.
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