Frequently Asked Questions

▶What is LorryWatch?
LorryWatch is a cloud-based vehicle monitoring platform designed to detect unauthorised commercial vehicles on weight-restricted roads using ANPR cameras and DVLA vehicle classification data.
▶How much does it cost?

LorryWatch is a brand new product and hasn't been priced yet, please send us a message via the "Contact Us" form and we'll be in touch when pricing is available.

▶How does LorryWatch identify unauthorised vehicles?

The system logs vehicle number plates from ANPR cameras and then performs a DVLA lookup using an API key, this lookup provides a vehicle classification which is used to identify commercial vehicles primarily of types: N1, N2 & N3.

In addition to the vehicle classification, the lookup provides a revenue weight figure and although this indicates maximum weight when loaded it can be used as a guide as to the vehicle's overall size.

▶Do I need a DVLA API key?

Customers wanting to identify vehicles by their revenue weight or type classification will need a DVLA API key to achieve this, without a key, the system will still log plates but cannot classify vehicle types automatically.

At the time of writing there is no charge for a DVLA access key, you may apply for one online stating the reason behind your application.

Apply for a DVLA acces key  

▶Can I use LorryWatch without a DVLA API key?

Yes - without a DVLA API key LorryWatch can be used as a statistical gathering tool.

▶Which cameras should I use?

LorryWatch currently supports TVT's ANPR camera, the TD-9443A3BH-A-LR, this is a 4MP 8-32mm bullet style IP camera available in white.

▶Do cameras need to be authorised?

Yes, cameras need to be authorised by our support team, this ensures that only tried and tested 100% compatible cameras are used with LorryWatch.

▶How are foreign vehicles handled?

At the time of writing, LorryWatch only supports DVLA lookups to identify UK registerered vehicles.

▶Why "MailJet" for Email Services?

We recommend using MailJet as an email service provider, by doing so you have full control over the email content and can tailor it to suit your needs via a user definable template. 

MailJet offer a free service for low volume usage, up to 200 emails per day or 6000 per month, please be aware that this free email contains their brand name/logo.

MailJet's chargeable offerings increase the monthly email allowance and remove their logo. 

To insert merge fields from LorryWatch you may base your template upon this html sample..

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
  <meta charset="UTF-8">
  <title>Lorrywatch Notification</title>
</head>
<body style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;color:#000">
<p><strong>Lorrywatch – Weight Restriction Alert</strong></p>
<p>
The following offending vehicles were detected during the last 15-minute period.
Grouped by camera.
</p>
<hr>
{% for camera in var:mrg_Cameras %}
<p>
<strong>Camera:</strong> {{ camera.camera_name }}
</p>
    {% for offence in camera.offences %}
    <p>
    <strong>Date:</strong> {{ offence.mrg_Date }}<br>
    <strong>Time:</strong> {{ offence.mrg_Time }}<br>
    <strong>Registration:</strong> {{ offence.mrg_Plate }}<br>
    <strong>Type Approval:</strong> {{ offence.mrg_TypeApproval }}<br>
    <strong>Vehicle Weight:</strong> {{ offence.mrg_RevenueWeight }}<br>
    <strong>Road Weight Limit:</strong> {{ offence.mrg_WeightLimit }}<br>
    <strong>Direction:</strong> {{ offence.mrg_Direction }}
    </p>
    <hr>
    {% endfor %}
{% endfor %}
<p>
This is an automated notification generated by the Lorrywatch system.
</p>
</body>
</html>
Question Image