Texas A&M Adds ALPR Technology to Parking Solutions

Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, recently integrated automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) technology into its parking services and enforcement strategies, according to a news release. The university’s Transportation Services division deployed Genetec AutoVu ALPR to manage the campus’ 36,000+ parking spaces. The technology assists with duties including issuing and managing physical permits, as well as reducing the need for foot patrols.

“Moving away from paper permits and hang tags was a huge success, reducing time and resources required to enforce parking,” said Dell Hamilton, Texas A&M’s Parking Systems Manager. “Leveraging Genetec AutoVu, we’re able to reallocate resources more efficiently, such as sending patrols more frequently to high violation areas, and have reduced overhead costs since we don’t print and distribute hang tags.”

Genetec AutoVu involves the installation of AutoVu SharpZ3 cameras on enforcement vehicles and parking-lot entrances and exits. The automated, real-time monitoring system can help parking enforcement staff reduce patrol times and identify unregistered vehicles more quickly. The system also shifts from paper to virtual permits, eliminating confusion during the lag time between registering for and receiving a parking pass.

Texas A&M is also working with T2 Systems, a Genetec partner, to install ALPR-based technology in campus parking garages. Genetec has also installed its Security Center Fleet Monitoring system into more than 60 campus buses, the news release reports.

“We’d like to continue expanding our use of Genetec ALPR. Whenever Genetec introduces a solution, it works,” said Hamilton. “Our team has been able to significantly improve our parking and transit operations using Genetec. I can’t imagine working with anyone else.”

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Photo credit: Elkus Manfredi Architects

    University of Virginia Selects Design-Build Team for New Residential Complex

    The University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Va., recently announced that it has selected a design-build team for a new upper-class residential development on campus, according to a news release. Capstone Development Partners—in partnership with Elkus Manfredi Architects and the Hoar Construction/Hourigan construction team—will move forward with the three-building, 310,000-square-foot housing facility.

  • Indiana Wesleyan University Schedules Grand Opening for New Welcome Center

    Indiana Wesleyan University recently announced that it will soon open a new Welcome Center on its campus in Marion, Ind., according to a news release. The facility will serve as the home base for prospective students and their families to learn more about the university and student life there. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for February 19.

  • Academy of Classical Education Breaks Ground in Louisiana

    Charter Schools USA (CSUSA) recently announced the groundbreaking of a new public charter school in Covington, La., according to a news release. The Academy of Classical Education at Covington will enroll students in grades K–8 and is scheduled for completion in August 2026, just in time for the new school year.

  • Spaces4Learning Trends & Predictions for Educational Facilities in 2026: Part II

    As education leaders look toward 2026, the design of K–12 and higher education facilities is being reshaped by powerful, converging forces. Survey respondents point to the rapid growth of Career and Technical Education, deeper alignment with workforce and industry needs, and the accelerating influence of AI and emerging technologies.