The San Juan Capistrano City Council voted 4-1 earlier this month to advance a proposal for license plate reader cameras to enforce parking regulations downtown. Councilmember Sergio Farias cast the dissenting vote. This decision moves the city toward integrating the technology as part of a comprehensive downtown parking program. Staff is expected to issue a formal request for proposals from various providers for review before the plan can be implemented.
The proposed system would utilize cameras mounted on parking enforcement vehicles. These cameras are designed to scan license plates to verify compliance with parking time limits, paid parking requirements, and employee permit restrictions. Julie Dixon, president and founder of Dixon Resources Unlimited, presented an implementation plan to the council, stating that the cameras would enhance the city's ability to consistently enforce parking regulations. Dixon explained that the technology would allow officers to check parking eligibility without manual examination, recognizing a vehicle's eligibility based on established rules. She referred to the process of tracking how long vehicles remain parked as “virtual chalking.” Beyond enforcement, the system is also intended to collect parking data, including occupancy and usage, providing a clearer understanding of downtown parking patterns. Dixon indicated that while the technology could reduce manual checking time for officers, enforcement staff would still be necessary. Dixon also clarified that the city’s use of LPR for parking policies would be “dictated and informed and published.”
During their discussion, city leaders, including Councilmember Howard Hart, voiced concerns about privacy. Hart questioned the overall benefit to residents, asking, “Who is this serving? Who is this making it easier to park downtown?” Despite his reservations, Hart voted in favor of installing the cameras. Councilmember Farias specifically inquired about potential privacy or legal issues, particularly concerning the capture of license plates belonging to non-violators. City Attorney Jeffrey Ballinger responded that many lawsuits involving license plate recognition technology have focused on broader applications than parking enforcement, and he felt “comfortable with this kind of technology from a legal perspective” for this use.
The consideration of this technology in San Juan Capistrano occurs amid increasing scrutiny of license plate recognition (LPR) systems, particularly Flock cameras, across Orange County and nationwide due to privacy and surveillance concerns. San Juan Capistrano already employs 20 Flock cameras, with 10 installed in 2022 and an additional 10 in 2023, located at city parks, facilities, and traffic signals. Other Orange County cities have also grappled with the technology; Costa Mesa’s city council voted in July to retain its Flock camera contract but directed staff to renegotiate terms after a former police officer used the system to stalk individuals. Orange renewed a Flock contract exceeding $350,000 earlier this year, and Anaheim approved $735,000 for 72 new license plate readers. During the September 1 meeting, Councilmember Hart reiterated his uncertainty about the cameras’ ability to address the city’s wider parking challenges, stating, “I don’t know that license plate recognition is really moving the needle there for me.”
The broader downtown parking program in San Juan Capistrano also encompasses the creation of new parking enforcement positions, adjustments to parking time limits, and enhancements to downtown access.
