I find all the reporting on cameras in the US quite interesting given we’ve had ANPR cameras in the UK for 20+ years

FWIW, CCTVs in the UK weren't exactly loved either: https://www.wired.com/2007/12/burning-british/

  "Motorists Against Detection, the vigilante anti-speed camera group have announced a summer of MADness which will see them target for destruction all speed cameras in the UK. It’s now going to be a period of zero tolerance against all speed cameras, said their campaigns director Capt Gatso. (((A remote descendant of General Ludd, I reckon.)))"

Speed cameras are less liked for sure but ANPR is typically used to catch people who have not paid their vehicle tax or who have not got their annual car safety check done (MOT) but are continuing to drive

Totally. But I just gave one example of the anti-camera activism from the UK at the time! There was a lot more than just this.

Fitting since 1984 was set in London.