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The Traffic Branch Headquarters of Hong Kong Police Force will fully implement the Automatic Number Plate Recognition System on Monday (Mar 23), with a view to further enhance the efficiency of frontline officers in law enforcement.
The Automatic Number Plate Recognition System comprises a camera and a computer loaded with data from the Transport Department. The system automatically scans the number plates of vehicles and compares them with the database. If a vehicle is in suspected connection with serious traffic contravention, it will be stopped for further enquiry.
At the present stage, Police will focus on taking enforcement actions against vehicles with registered owner disqualified from driving or wanted under traffic warrant, and vehicles without license.
The data collected by the system will be automatically deleted after each operation. Legal advice was sought from the Department of Justice, which confirmed that the system complied with the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance and Data Protection Principles.
The system was introduced into the Force in 2013. After a trial of more than one year, Regional Traffic officers will now use the system in their daily operations. Traffic Branch Headquarters will regularly review the effectiveness of the system to enhance its operational efficiency.
The Police are making every effort to enhance road safety, a Police spokesman said. The Automatic Number Plate Recognition System will assist frontline officers in identifying vehicles and drivers in contravention of traffic regulations, and effectively combating traffic offences.
Ends/Friday, March 20, 2015
Issued at HKT 17:41
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