License Plate Recognition (LPR)
We are transitioning our parking system to license plate recognition (LPR). LPR completely revolutionizes parking at VCU by removing the need for physical parking permits—your license plate grants you access to your dedicated parking facility. This innovative technology aims to streamline your parking experience, making it more convenient and efficient.
Throughout this process, we are committed to keeping you informed every step of the way and providing timely updates on the activation of LPR in specific decks.
NOTE: If you have any issues with LPR, please fill out this form with your information and we will get back to you soon.
How to manage vehicles on your virtual permit
Instructions:
1. Log in to the parking portal at vcu.t2hosted.com/Account/
2. Navigate to "View Your Permits" under "Permits."
3. Select your permit and scroll down to the "Associated Vehicles" section to view the license plates associated with your permit.
4. If you need to add a new vehicle, use the "Add Vehicles to Permit" button at the bottom. Employees may add up to three vehicles, and students may add one.
Note: If only one vehicle is currently linked, add a new one before deleting an existing one. If you need to delete a vehicle from your account, please email us at parking@vcu.edu.
FAQs
What is LPR?
License Plate Recognition (LPR) has been one of the major advancements in parking over the past few years. It is a camera-based computer hardware system that captures images of vehicle license plates, translates them into digital characters, and matches this information against a database. Subscribers will no longer need a physical parking permit, as parking access will be granted using their license plate.
How will it work?
LPR cameras will be installed in each parking deck. Upon entering the parking deck, the cameras scan a vehicle's license plates for validation. Once this information is confirmed, the gates will rise for entry in seconds. Additionally, mobile LPR cameras will be installed on enforcement vehicles. As enforcement officers roam each facility, they will be notified if a vehicle is not supposed to be parked in a specific location.
How many vehicles can I add to my permit?
While only one vehicle per subscriber may be parked in a VCU parking facility at any given time, employees who drive multiple vehicles may add up to three vehicles to their parking permit. Students may add one vehicle.
Vehicles can be managed in the online parking portal.
How can I update my vehicles online?
Follow the below instructions:
- Visit https://vcu.t2hosted.com/ and click "LOGIN" in the top right corner, then "VCU/VCUHS LOGIN".
- Follow VCU authentication protocol.
- Under "Permits", select "View Your Permits".
- Select your VCU parking permit and scroll down to "Associated Vehicles".
- Select "Add Vehicle to Permit" to enter a new vehicle. To remove a vehicle from your permit, click "Delete" and confirm.
Please note employees can only connect three vehicles to a permit; students can connect two vehicles.
View instructions for updating your vehicle online.
What are the benefits of LPR?
LPR offers several unique benefits, including:
- Improved enforcement of parking facilities
- Less visits to customer service offices
- No more fees for lost permits
- Eco-friendly option
Can I still enter my parking deck with my ID card?
Yes, you may still enter your parking deck by scanning your VCU ID card. However, you would need to ensure that, when parking, your vehicle's license plate faces the drive lane.
What changes have been made since implementing LPR?
Key changes to note:
- No more physical parking permits, as your license plate is your permit
- Upgraded equipment
- Subscribers will be responsible for managing (add/remove) their vehicles online
- Subscribers will need to park with their license plate facing the drive lane
How does LPR impact those who carpool?
If you carpool to campus, you will still be able to link multiple owners to your carpool permit.
What if I drive a rental car?
Adding a rental car is similar to adding any other vehicle; if you've reached the maximum number of vehicles on your permit, you may need to remove one before adding the rental.
Once you have finished with the rental, email us at parking@vcu.edu to have the vehicle removed from your account. This ensures you will not be held responsible for any citations incurred by subsequent renters.
My vehicle only has one license plate. How can I enter?
Our LPR readers will perform front reads of license plates. If your vehicle has just one license plate, you can still use your VCU ID card to enter and exit the deck. If using your VCU ID card, you would need to ensure that your vehicle is parked with the license plate facing the drive lane so that it can be read by our mobile LPR units.
How does LPR impact reciprocal parking?
The process will remain unchanged. Your existing parking permissions will stay intact, but they will now be associated with your license plate instead of a physical permit.
What do I do if the LPR system does not let me into my facility?
If you have an active parking subscription for the facility (or during reciprocal times), you can scan in/out with your VCU ID card. If you experience issues with the system, please email your license plate information for investigation and resolution. This occurrence should be very rare.
How quickly can I add a vehicle to my account?
Adding a vehicle can take just a minute or two and it will be active in the system within five minutes. If needed, you can scan into your facility with your VCU ID card.
You can update your vehicle information at: https://vcu.t2hosted.com/Account/Portal
How will parking work during special events?
A physical display will be provided to alert attendants that you are a subscriber for the designated facility.
If I have a daily/weekly value credential, do I still need to scan in/out?
Value credential holders should continue scanning in and out with their permits. To avoid printing them, take a screenshot on your phone and scan the barcode from there.
What should I do if I have multiple cars and license plates with the implementation of LPR?
You can register up to 10 vehicles on your parking account, but only three for faculty/staff and two for students. Simply add the vehicle(s) you use most frequently, and then log in to link the others when you bring them to campus.
I park in a surface lot. How does LPR impact me?
If your designated parking facility is a surface lot and/or when reciprocal parking in these facilities, you will need to park with your license plate facing the drive lane. A physical permit is not required; however, you will still need to ensure your vehicle information remains up to date online to avoid any risk of citation. Mobile LPR units will roam all parking facilities to ensure there are no violators parked in these locations.