Canada Customs to update licence plate-reading technology at border

OTTAWA — Canada will expand and update technology that provides automated reading and instant database checking of vehicle licence plates entering from the U.S., adding to ongoing efforts to strengthen security along the border and enhance the flow of trade.

Perceptics, LLC, a security and traffic management company based in Knoxville, Tenn., has received a contract award with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to upgrade technology and equip additional inbound traffic lanes for its Integrated Primary Inspection Line Highway License Plate Reader (LPR) program.

This contract and partnership with the CBSA and Canada Revenue Agency provide Canadian Customs officers with LPR systems that allow real-time queries to databases containing important and necessary information to secure Canada’s borders.

Perceptics will execute a large-scale replacement of the LPR equipment used in Canada’s Primary Automated Lookout System at border crossings. The new LPR equipment will correctly read the licence plate number — including stacked characters common on commercial plates — and identify the province/state of origin on at least 95 percent of vehicles with a rear licence plate, compress the image, and display important information instantly for the Border Services officers.

Vehicles with a clear record of lawful trade and travel will go through quickly; vehicles of concern can be detained for proper clearance.

The Perceptics LPR system uniquely captures the state and province identification, supports the addition of any new licence plate designs from either country and meets CBSA authentication and authorization requirements.

Important to the cold weather border climate, the LPR operates in temperatures ranging from -30C to plus 50C. Perceptics will also provide 24/7 customer service help desk support to keep these systems operational.