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Philips Collection Services Deploys Federal Signal Digital Video and Analytics Network

Posted on: Friday, 12 December 2008, 14:01 CST

UNIVERSITY PARK, Ill., Dec. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In a time of unprecedented economic uncertainty, the collection of unpaid debts remains a key source of potential revenue for governmental agencies. Philips Collection Services, the largest privately owned revenue recovery and enforcement company in the United Kingdom, has deployed an integrated automatic number/license plate recognition (ANPR/ALPR) system from Federal Signal PIPS across its fleet of revenue collection vans to help local and regional governments collect unpaid debts to fund vital services that enhance well-being in communities.

Westminster City Council and London's Camden Council have contracted with Philips Collection Services to collect debts in their jurisdictions. Westminster Council issues the highest number of parking charge notice's (PCN's) of all metropolitan boroughs in the United Kingdom. Philips upgraded to the Federal Signal system to meet its customers' increased demand for integrated, robust and secure revenue recovery solutions.

Nick Bradley, chief executive officer of Philips Collection Services, knew that he needed an ANPR system that could keep up with accelerating demand. Bradley noted, "Philips is dealing with around 10,000 cases every month, so we knew we would have to upgrade our ANPR system."

Analytics-powered intelligence

A hot list of vehicle number plates is loaded onto the in-vehicle Federal Signal PAGIS graphic interface system database to locate debtors. Federal Signal's ANPR/ALPR cameras and software capture plate numbers and cross-check them against the hot list. Once a match is made, a signal is sent to the Federal Signal back office system database, where a server with mapping software can determine the exact location of the suspect vehicle. Global Positioning System (GPS) software is built into the revenue collection vans to enable location of the vehicle to be clamped or towed. Relevant packets of data and exact co-ordinates are sent back to the Federal Signal back office system database via General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) technology.

Paul Negus, managing director of Federal Signal Corporation's PIPS Technology Ltd. business unit, said, "I was delighted when Philips approached us to assist them with their new contract wins. We have always been at the forefront of enforcement technology and with our system deployed across their fleet of vans, Philips has enhanced revenue recovery."

About Federal Signal

Federal Signal Corporation (NYSE: FSS) enhances the safety, security and well-being of communities and workplaces around the world. Founded in 1901, Federal Signal is a leading global designer and manufacturer of products and total solutions that serve municipal, governmental, industrial and institutional customers. Headquartered in Oak Brook, Ill., with manufacturing facilities worldwide, the Company operates three groups: Safety and Security Systems, Environmental Solutions and Fire Rescue. For more information on Federal Signal, visit: http://www.federalsignal.com.

SOURCE Federal Signal Corporation

Source: PR Newswire

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