Licence Plate Recognition (LPR) Technology
In early May 2026, Horowhenua District Council is introducing licence plate recognition (LPR) technology, called Aero Ranger, to help manage time-restricted parking more consistently.
Time limits help make sure more people can access parking near shops, services, and appointments.
How parking is monitored
In some town centres, time-restricted parking is monitored using a Council vehicle fitted with cameras.
As the vehicle drives through streets, the system records:
- licence plate numbers
- time and date
- location
- nearby parking signs.
This information is used to understand how long a vehicle has been parked in a time-restricted space.
If a possible overstay is identified, it is reviewed by a trained Council officer before any enforcement action is taken.
Where this applies
LPR is used in time-restricted parking areas, mainly in busy town centres where parking demand is higher.
Parking signs in these areas show the time limits that apply.
Why time limits matter
Time-restricted parking helps:
- keep spaces available for short visits
- improve access to shops and services
- support local businesses
- reduce the need to circle for parking.
Your responsibilities
When parking in a time-restricted area:
- check the signs carefully
- make sure your vehicle is parked legally and you have not stayed longer than the time limit.
Following the signs helps ensure parking is fair for everyone.
Privacy and information use
Council takes privacy seriously. Information collected through LPR:
- is used only for parking enforcement and planning
- is stored securely
- can only be accessed by authorised staff
- is kept only as long as needed, then securely deleted.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the technology
What is licence plate recognition (LPR)?
LPR is a system that uses cameras to record licence plates, location and timestamps when a vehicle enters and leaves a parking area. This helps calculate how long a vehicle has been parked in time-restricted spaces.
Does the system automatically issue parking tickets?
No. The system identifies possible overstays, but a Council officer reviews each case before any parking ticket is issued.
How accurate is the system?
The system is designed to be accurate. To make sure information is correct, any potential parking breaches are reviewed by a trained staff member before a parking ticket is issued.
Do parking rules change with this system?
No. Parking rules and time restrictions stay the same. The system provides an alternative option on how these areas can be monitored.
Where is LPR used?
It is used in selected town centres and other areas with time-restricted parking.
What if I move my car within the same area?
Moving your vehicle to another space within the same time-restricted area does not reset the parking time. The system may still count the total time your vehicle has been in the area.
Can I still get a warning or parking ticket?
Yes. If a vehicle stays longer than the allowed time, enforcement may apply after review.
Why not use only parking wardens?
LPR supports parking wardens by making monitoring more consistent and covering more areas efficiently.
What if I think a parking ticket was issued incorrectly?
You can contact Council to request a review. You can submit your appeal by completing the Parking Infringement Notice Explanation Form on our Parking Ticket Appeals page.
Each case is assessed individually.
How does this help me?
It helps make parking easier to find by improving turnover, encouraging fair use of time-limited restricted spaces, and reducing long stays.
Privacy, data and security
What information is collected?
The system collects:
- licence plate number
- time and date
- location
- images of the vehicle and nearby parking signs.
How is data collected?
Cameras mounted on a Council vehicle scan licence plates as they pass through an area. Multiple scans are used to determine how long a vehicle has been parked.
How is my privacy protected?
Your information is:
- used only for parking enforcement purposes
- managed in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020
- stored securely
- accessed only by authorised staff.
How long is information kept?
Non-breach data is kept for a short period and then deleted. Information related to a potential infringement may be kept longer to allow for enforcement and legal processes. It is then securely deleted.
Will this track where I go?
No. The system only records vehicles within specific parking areas at the time they are scanned. It is not used to track vehicle movements beyond those locations.