The issue of 4D number plates continues to trouble London taxi drivers, despite recent technological upgrades at Heathrow Airport. Representatives from the Licensed Taxi Drivers' Association (LTDA) have voiced their concerns about persistent problems, even after Heathrow Airport Ltd (HAL) installed new Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras across all airport terminals.
New ANPR Cameras at Heathrow
Suzanne Sullivan, Airport Representative for LTDA, recently stated that the new ANPR cameras at Heathrow are now successfully capturing all characters on 4D number plates. This upgrade was expected to resolve previous issues with the recognition of such plates, which had been a significant point of contention.
Ongoing Issues with Handheld ANPR Devices
Despite the improvements at Heathrow, Sullivan highlighted a new problem related to the local constabulary's handheld ANPR devices. According to her statement, these devices, used by officers during routine checks around Heathrow and in town, are allegedly failing to capture all characters on 4D laser cut number plates. This has led to drivers being issued with £100 fines or the option to appeal in court.
LTDA's Response and Future Developments
The LTDA has been in active communication with APlates, the company responsible for validating these laser cut number plates. Sullivan informed LTDA members that HAL has acknowledged the ongoing problem and assured the trade association that a new system would be implemented by December 2023 to address this issue comprehensively.
Sullivan expressed her views in TAXI Newspaper:
"In more positive news, Heathrow Airport Ltd (HAL) have recently changed their ANPR cameras on all the terminals, which now appear to be picking up all the characters on 4D number plates. Unfortunately, the local constabulary, who seem to set up regular 'stop bays' in and around Heathrow, as well as in town, are claiming their ANPR handheld devices are not picking up all characters on these 4D plates and so are issuing drivers with £100 fines or the option to appeal in court."
"We are still in contact with APlates, who are validating these plates, and advising members accordingly. At the last trade meeting with HAL, we were informed a planned new system would be implemented by December this year in order to eradicate this ongoing problem. Let's hope this happens and I have asked Heathrow to keep me updated. I have personally received two tickets in the past few days, when I was dispatched to T3 from the Taxi Feeder Park, so I know how frustrating it can be."
Conclusion
The frustration among London taxi drivers regarding 4D number plates persists, even with the recent upgrades at Heathrow. The LTDA remains hopeful that the new system promised by HAL will be implemented by December 2023, effectively resolving the issue. Meanwhile, the association continues to work closely with APlates to ensure that all 4D laser cut plates are correctly recognized and validated.
Stay tuned for further updates as the LTDA and Heathrow Airport work towards a solution that will benefit all taxi drivers operating in and around Heathrow. For more information on 4D number plate
s and the latest news on this ongoing issue, keep following our blog.