Local police forces are getting funding from the province to incorporate automated license plate recognition technology into their fleet of vehicles.
The ALPRT system alerts officers to stolen or expired plates, or plates registered to suspended drivers. The system can also notify officers of missing and wanted persons and vehicles associated with AMBER alerts.
Matthew Rae, MPP for Perth-Wellington announced the Guelph Police Service will receive nearly $525,000, while the Stratford Police Service will be receiving nearly $170,000 in funding to incorporate the technology.
“This funding will help provide our local police services with the tools they need to improve road safety in our communities,” Rae said in a news release. “The safety of our communities is paramount, that is why this investment is so important.”
“This investment further demonstrates our government’s plan to ensure police services across Ontario have the resources and equipment they need to keep our communities safe,” added Solicitor General Michael Kerzner.
“I am confident that this tool will be a tremendous asset to police services and help them combat incidents of auto theft and enhance public safety.”
The investment in ALPR technology supports Ontario’s recent move to eliminate licence plate renewal fees and stickers for passenger vehicles, light-duty trucks, motorcycles, and mopeds, according to the news release.
It allows a licence plate to be read automatically without requiring an officer to see a physical licence sticker to validate a vehicle.
The ALPR grant is a one-time grant to help police services strengthen roadside law enforcement efforts and improve public safety across the province.
