Survision: What Is Vehicle Access Control?

Vehicle access control refers to the practice of regulating and managing the entry of vehicles into specific areas, properties, or facilities. It involves using various technologies and methods to ensure that only authorized vehicles can enter certain spaces while preventing unauthorized vehicles from gaining entry.

Vehicle access control is commonly used in a variety of settings, including:

• Commercial and industrial properties
• Government facilities
• Military bases
• Residential communities
• Parking garages and lots

Key components and technologies used in vehicle access control:

1. Barriers and Gates: Physical barriers such as gates, boom gates, and bollards are used to control vehicle entry. These barriers can be manually operated or automated, preventing unauthorized vehicles from driving through.

2. Access Cards and RFID:  Access cards or RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) tags are given to authorized vehicle owners. These devices are scanned at entry points to grant access to vehicles with matching credentials.

3. License Plate Recognition (LPR): Cameras equipped with LPR technology can read license plates and compare them against a database of authorized vehicles. Vehicles with valid plates are allowed access.

4. Biometric Systems: Some advanced vehicle access control systems use biometric data such as fingerprint, facial recognition, or iris scans to identify authorized drivers.

5. Mobile Apps: Mobile apps can be used to manage vehicle access. Authorized users can use their smartphones to open gates or barriers through Bluetooth or other wireless communication methods.

6. Visitor Management: For guests or visitors, temporary access credentials can be issued, allowing them to enter for a limited period.

7. Security Personnel: Human security personnel can manually verify credentials and control vehicle access.

8. CCTV and Surveillance: Closed-circuit television cameras can monitor entry and exit points, providing a visual record of vehicles and their occupants.

9. Integration with Access Control Systems: Vehicle access control systems can be integrated with broader access control systems that manage both vehicle and pedestrian entry.

Benefits of using vehicle access control:

Improved security: Vehicle access control can help prevent unauthorized vehicles from entering a restricted area, which can help to protect people and property.

Improved traffic flow: Vehicle access control can help to manage traffic flow by preventing congestion and ensuring that vehicles are only allowed to enter or exit at authorized times.

Increased efficiency: Vehicle access control can help improve efficiency by reducing the time it takes to enter or exit a restricted area.

Increased data collection: Vehicle access control systems can collect data about vehicle traffic patterns, which can be helpful for planning and decision-making.

Main types of vehicle access control systems:

Proximity card systems use proximity cards or fobs to identify authorized vehicles. When a card is presented to a reader, the system will grant access if the card is authorized.

License plate recognition systems use cameras to scan license plates and match them to a database of authorized vehicles. If the license plate is authorized, the system will grant access.

Biometric systems use biometric data, such as fingerprints or facial recognition, to identify authorized vehicles. When a vehicle's biometric data is matched to a database of authorized vehicles, the system will grant access.

Latest technological advances in vehicle access control in 2023

Touchless access control: This technology uses sensors to detect the presence of an authorized vehicle without needing a card or fob. This can help to improve hygiene and reduce the spread of germs.

Biometric access control: This technology uses biometric data, such as fingerprints or facial recognition, to identify authorized vehicles. This can be more secure than traditional methods, such as proximity cards or license plate recognition.

Cloud-based access control: This technology allows access control systems to be managed remotely. This can make managing and updating systems easier and provide better security.

AI-powered access control: This technology uses artificial intelligence to improve the security and efficiency of access control systems. For example, AI can be used to identify unauthorized vehicles or detect suspicious activity patterns.

Integration with other security systems: Vehicle access control systems can be integrated with other security systems, such as video surveillance and intrusion detection systems. This can help to create a more holistic security solution.

The role of LPR in vehicle access control

License Plate Recognition (LPR or ANPR) brings a new world of enhanced monitoring and control capabilities for sites where vehicle access control is crucial, such as embassies, nuclear plants, military sites, prisons, and official buildings.

LPR-based Vehicle access control systems link vehicles to their owners, types, and other registered data; this helps operators decide who can enter or exit a restricted area, how to respond to incidents and provide smarter policies and better service: Custom access policies for different types of vehicles, identify vehicles that have been reported stolen, or send alerts when a vehicle enters or exits a restricted area.

Examples of how License Plate information can be used to improve Vehicle Access Control

A parking garage operator can use license plate data to create a custom access policy for vehicles with a specific parking permit. For example, the operator could allow vehicles with a permit to park in a particular area or enter the garage at certain times.

A security guard at a government building can use license plate data to identify vehicles that have been reported stolen. If the guard sees a stolen vehicle entering the building, they can take steps to stop it.

A business owner can use license plate data to send alerts when a vehicle enters or exits their property. This can help them to keep track of their deliveries and to identify vehicles that have been loitering on their property.

Companies, Government, and Residences are optimizing their vehicle access control methods using LPR/ANPR cameras to monitor vehicle license plates at entries and exits to achieve significant benefits:

• Faster access for staff members
• Improved visitor control
• Accurate parking space assignment
• Personalized directions for visitors
• Enhanced monitoring of Illegal entrances, parking overstays, or car removal

About SURVISION 

SURVISION is a global leader in License Plate Reading (LPR). Since 2001, with solutions being deployed in over 50 countries with more than 50,000 cameras thanks to a network of 900 Value Added Integrators. The quality of its R&D team allows SURVISION to work with world-class integrators for a complete set of innovative solutions for Smart-City, Smart-Parking, law enforcement, toll road collection, car-park management, and for local authorities.