ANPR Camera Evidence Unreliable

ANPR cameras can misread number plates, have timing errors, or capture vehicles that never actually parked. Challenge the reliability of the evidence.

Legal basis

The BPA–IPC Private Parking Single Code of Practice Clause 7.1 requires ANPR/photographic equipment to be fit for purpose, maintained to manufacturer and ATA standards, and synchronised so that it records accurately; Clause 7.3 prohibits issuing a charge unless the images include a clear VRM and an accurate time and date stamp and have passed a manual quality-control check (including timestamp accuracy and keying-error risk). On any appeal — and, if the matter reaches court, on the balance of probabilities — the operator, as the party asserting the charge, bears the burden of proving the contravention. Requesting the ANPR images, calibration/maintenance records and QC evidence tests whether the operator can discharge that burden. (The Civil Procedure Rules do not govern POPLA/IAS appeals and do not apply in Scotland, so they are not relied on here.)

How to identify this in your case

Request full ANPR evidence including calibration records, entry/exit images, timestamps. Look for inconsistencies or poor image quality.

Sample appeal wording

Before you send this

Deadline. A late submission can be turned down without your argument being read. Check your notice for the deadline and how it is counted.
Paying may end it. Paying can count as accepting the notice and can close a challenge already under way. Part-paying or acknowledging an old debt can also revive a time limit that had expired.
The amount can change. Check what happens to the sum if you challenge — it may be held, re-offered lower, or keep rising, and fees or enforcement can continue meanwhile.
Use the official route. Use the method, recipient and form your notice specifies, with any reference, evidence and signature it asks for. Sent elsewhere, it may not count.
Only say what is true. Do not copy any statement of fact unless it is true for you, and check the legal point still applies. Delete what does not fit. It may be treated as your statement.
Careful what you volunteer. Avoid unnecessary admissions — naming the driver or accepting responsibility can remove arguments. But answer anything you are legally required to answer, and do include the evidence your ground needs.
Keep the record. Keep what you sent, the attachments, any receipt, and the reply. Note the next deadline.

Sample wording to adapt and send yourself — it may not fit your notice or the stage you are at.

I dispute the reliability of the ANPR evidence. Please provide: (1) Entry and exit photographs clearly showing my VRM; (2) ANPR camera calibration certificates for the date in question; (3) System maintenance logs; (4) Evidence the camera system was functioning correctly. ANPR systems are known to produce false readings due to dirt, lighting conditions, or similar number plates. I do not accept the accuracy of this evidence without proper verification.

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Sources

BPA–IPC Private Parking Single Code of Practice, Clause 7.1 (equipment maintained/synchronised to record accurately) and Clause 7.3 (accurate timestamp + manual QC before a charge is issued)