ELECTRONIC ROAD PRICING SYSTEM FOR MULTI-LANE ENVIRONMENT

The rapid progress of the motorized society in recent years has brought with it a continuous increase in traffic demand. The authors have developed an electronic road pricing (ERP) system that smooths traffic flow and contributes to a cleaner environment. They have tested the system and confirmed its performance in various traffic situations, such as high-speed passing (at speeds up to 180 kilometers per hour) and congested traffic with motorcycles passing between other vehicles. The two primary functions of the system are: 1) to collect tolls automatically from the onboard unit using radio communication, and 2) to detect vehicles using optical sensors and to capture images of violating vehicles from the rear using CCD cameras. The system provides the following advantages: First, the system is applicable to multi-lane roads, so it can be incorporated into the existing infrastructure without changing current facilities. Second, the system features highly reliable communication between antennas and onboard devices, enabling it to collect tolls regardless of vehicle speeds or traffic patterns. Third, the system identifies violating vehicles and captures their images in any traffic situation. The system proposed could be used in various applications, such as relief of urban traffic congestion, electronic toll collection on highways and bridges, or collection of parking fees.