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

  • Campus Safety Requires Using Every Resource Available

    Across the U.S., school and campus leaders are facing a security landscape that has changed dramatically over the past decade. Incidents on school property have increased in recent years, with several consecutive years setting record totals. According to analysis of data by CNN, dozens of shootings now occur on school grounds annually across K-12 and higher education environments.

  • Higher Ed is Betting on New Buildings While Quietly Undermining Their Campuses — Here’s Why

    In this climate, the owner’s representative has changed from a delivery-focused advisor to a strategic campus partner. Institutions are increasingly relying on owner’s reps not just to manage, cope, schedule, and budget, but also help evaluate whether a project should proceed at all.

  • Wold Architects & Engineers Announces Acquisition of JJCA

    Wold Architects & Engineers, based in Minneapolis, Minn., recently announced that it has acquired JJCA, an architecture firm based in Nashville, Tenn., according to a press release. JJCA specializes in healthcare and education design; the partnership allows both firms to expand their presence across the country while building on existing strengths.

  • Health & Science Building

    Health & Science Building

    Established in 1999, the Education Design Showcase is a vehicle for showing off innovative — yet practical — solutions in planning, design, architecture, and construction. The College of Western Idaho's Health & Science Building has been recognized with an EDS 2026 Project of Distinction award in the category of New Construction.