For staff who park in lots around campus, the “hang-tag” (parking permit) has been a fact of life for many years – not anymore! License Plate Recognition (LPR) has changed the way the UI Parking & Transportation Department confirms parking permission or enforces parking rules. Erin Shane, Associate Director, UI Parking & Transportation, spoke to Staff Council on UI’s implementation of LPR and on future plans for LPR in the community as well.  

What is LPR?

It is technology that uses cameras and software to translate vehicle plate images into text. The text is checked against enforcement software to determine whether the vehicle is permitted to be in that spot. Any vehicles that are flagged as being in violation are checked by the officer on site in case there are exceptions to the violation. If no exception exists, the officer issues a parking violation ticket. 

Why should Staff care? 

Erin listed several practical benefits to the implementation of LPR, including: no more hang-tags, no more call-ins, and no need for annual renewal of a parking permit. Another advantage for staff is that they may include up to 3 vehicles on one permit. In addition, they can include a temporary vehicle as the need arises; for example, if an employee must drive someone else’s vehicle or have a dealer loaner for a few days, that vehicle can be listed using the Parking Portal. However, only one of those vehicles may park in a permitted lot at the same time. Employees still need an access card for gated lots – LPR does not extend to opening gates at present. It’s also up to the employee to add a temporary vehicle using the Parking Portal. In addition to staff advantages, UI is also realizing process and operational efficiency and sustainability. 

Erin listed many other aspects of LPR in her presentation slides, which are available via the Staff Council website. If you have any questions, contact UI Parking & Transportation.