A new national Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system will be introduced in September to replace the outdated and overloaded current platform, Belgian Interior Minister Bernard Quintin (MR) announced on Saturday.
The former ANPR network, initially rolled out after the Paris and Brussels terror attacks, has become obsolete.
Police can no longer connect additional cameras or monitor average driving speeds effectively. Additionally, the surge in data flows has caused frequent stability issues.
The modernised platform, dubbed “ANPR@GPI,” will serve as a centralised system for both existing and new ANPR cameras across the nation. It will initially support up to 5,000 connected cameras, with the possibility to expand to 10,000 if required.
The rollout will begin in Brussels, where 450 cameras will be integrated this September to bolster efforts against organised crime and drug trafficking.
Priority will then shift to connecting cameras in other provinces and regions, based on identified security needs. Authorities aim to complete the operation by 2026.
All collected footage will be accessible to federal and local police forces. The system will feature “FOCUS-ANPR,” an advanced analytics tool developed by Antwerp police, which promises to enhance operational efficiency.
“This innovative technology empowers our police with unparalleled tools to combat crime, saving time and resources while ensuring the safety of all Belgians,” Minister Quintin stated.
The total investment in the new system amounts to €10.2 million over four years, with funding provided by the Road Safety Fund. By law, police may access recorded footage for up to one month, after which extending access requires the approval of the public prosecutor.
