Licence plate scanner may detect more Sudbury law-breakers

Sudbury Police will soon be using an electronic eye to check licence plates.

The force is buying a $60,000 license plate scanner to be mounted on a specific cruiser.

It's able to scan hundreds of plates as they pass by on the street or even in parking lots.

Sudbury Police chief Frank Elsner said this technology will improve on something officers already do.

"The number is astronomical of suspended drivers in this community, non-insured vehicles, things like that," Elsner said.

"And again, the reality of finding them is pretty small."

Other police forces that have tried out the licence plate scanner said the new equipment pays for itself in a few years with the extra money in fines it brings in, Elsner said.

The device will be installed on a Sudbury police cruiser sometime next year.