The Polish initial project of electronic toll collection system

The paper refers to some problems of worldwide applications in electronic toll collection systems for motorways and expressways. According to Directive 2004/52/EC, these systems should use one or more of the following technologies: satellite positioning, mobile communications using the GSM-GPRS standard (reference GSM TS 03.60/23.060) and 5.8 GHz microwave technology. Authors have analyzed systems, which meet these requirements, especially the states as follows: The United State of America, Japan, Taiwan, Austria, Czech Republic, France, Norway and Germany. As a result of the analysis, it has turned out that only system using satellite positioning technology and mobile communications (GSM/GPRS) is the best toll solution of unique capabilities and this kind of technologically sophisticated system should be implemented in Poland. Author will present the initial structure of GSM/GPS based Toll Collection System for Poland. This type of system has many advantages. The first is absence of the need for new road infrastructure (gantries), operators can keep using the existing infrastructure. System works without toll booths, extra lanes, speed restrictions or complex structures along toll roads. The second is much greater flexibility in defining or changing payment by simply redefining the “virtual” toll areas. It means ability to adapt easily and quickly to changes in charge parameters (road classes, vehicle types, emission levels, times slots etc). The third is the systems ability to support other value-added services on the same technology platform.