Owen Sound, West Grey police receive funding for licence plate recognition technology

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Two local police services are getting provincial funding for technology that automatically scans vehicle licence plates.

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Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Rick Byers announced the Owen Sound Police Service will receive more than $95,000, while the West Grey Police Service will receive just under $72,000.

“The Ontario government is providing our local police services with additional funding further to spring’s announcement that builds on the resources needed to keep our community safe from crime,” Byers said in the release.

The system is to be installed in or on police cruisers and alerts officers to stolen or expired plates, or plates registered to suspended drivers. The system can also notify officers of missing and wanted persons and vehicles associated with Amber Alerts, the release said.

The technology does not detect moving violations such as speeding, going through red lights or stop signs, or distracted driving.

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The funds being provided through the Automated Licence Plate Recognition Technology Grant are a one-time contribution to help police services strengthen roadside law enforcement efforts and improve public safety, the release said.

The technology supports the province’s move earlier this year to eliminate licence plate renewal fees and stickers for passenger vehicles, light-duty trucks, motorcycles and mopeds by allowing licence plate information to be read automatically without requiring an officer to see a physical licence sticker to validate a vehicle, the release said.

While they no longer receive a physical sticker, vehicle owners are still required to renew their licence plate every one or two years at no cost to confirm their vehicle insurance is valid and pay any outstanding Highway 407 tolls or other municipal fines. Renewals can be done at www.ontario.ca/page/renew-your-licence-plate