For whom the video tolls

The role of video technology in improving electronic toll collection (ETC) is considered. ETC lanes are generally converted conventional lanes at toll plazas retrofitted with new equipment. Express lanes and open road tolling (ORT) improve traffic flow. ETC and ORT both rely on motorist compliance, with the proper installation of a radio-frequency identification (RFID) transponder. The potential for violation has increased with the greater use of ETC and ORT, requiring the use of sophisticated camera-based violation detection systems. Video cameras generally capture a vehicle's number plate as part of the toll transaction, enabling violators to be detected. The design of video cameras for toll collection facilities is considered. VIT (Vehicle Identification Technology) from Science Applications International Corporation's Transportation Technologies Division in Kansas, USA uses advanced video cameras and optical character recognition to read licence plates on vehicles travelling up to 100 mph. It has fitted over 650 lanes with VIT across North America for express tolling, open road tolling and violation enforcement.