Evaluation of automated license plate recognition for improving British Columbia's Green Light program

British Columbia will launch the Green Light Transportation System (GLTS) program for commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in 2009. The GLTS uses weigh-in-motion and Automatic Vehicle Identification to improve CMV safety regulation. This research examines the potential benefits and costs of adding Automated License Plate Recognition system (ALPRS) to the existing GLTS. ALPRS does not depend on the voluntary participation so ALPRS participation is estimated to far exceed the rate expected under the GLTS alone. The results suggest that the two technologies be integrated in the current inspection process to maximize the benefits and minimize the limitations of each.