Mobile enforcement of tolls

Compared with stationary enforcement, mobile patrol vehicles can ensure that more cross-border toll violators are identified and charged accordingly

Words | Max Staudinger, EFKON, Austria

In Europe, open road tolling has evolved as the main way of tolling heavy goods vehicles (HGV). Two major approaches have been pursued and are mandated by a European directive: satellite toll for wide areas; and microwave dedicated short-range communications (DSRC) for tolling of specific segments. However, control of revenues and correct base data requires enforcement technology. The main approaches for enforcing open road tolls are: fixed enforcement systems mounted on gantries; portable systems to cover more segments; and mobile patrol vehicles.

While fixed and portable systems record all irregularities, they do not force payment. Domestic users can be reached via local laws, but those from other countries can only be addressed via mobile enforcement patrols and using proper equipment. The mobile patrol vehicles detect and determine number plates, vehicle class and onboard unit (OBU) information to verify integrity and compare with black- and whitelists.

Driving effectiveness

When implementing mobile enforcement, some basic questions need to be handled regarding legislation and business rules. For example, where can the operation take place? Are we allowed to operate off premises? How do we detain the vehicle or driver? Which organization is to be entrusted with the enforcement task?

Payment should be easy in cash and via all established channels. However, it must be a guaranteed payment that cannot be reversed.

Mobile patrol vehicles

Mobile patrol vehicles typically are equipped with automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) cameras, vehicle classification and DSRC or infrared beacons to read OBU. An LED message sign instructs road users, sometimes with sirens and flashing lights. A local server runs all operations and synchronizes continuously with the back-office over a 3G/4G modem. Via the human machine interface (HMI), operators access various modes, and plates that are difficult to access (for example, plate hidden under protruding load) can be entered manually. A reference OBU must be present for verification, to immediately prove availability of all signals. A mobile office with ruggedized equipment is required for scanning, printing and payment.

Comfort provided to operators includes proper heating/cooling/illumination. CCTV surveillance and illumination of the inside and outside area is recommended for security, and a safe compartment is required to store cash.

Modes of operation

Mobile patrol vehicles can be operated in roadside mode or in floating mode. While roadside mode enables the screening of more vehicles, floating mode can be used to pull over vehicles almost anywhere. Furthermore, parking lot mode is available for enforcement using a specially adapted tablet computer, or additional (rotated) rooftop equipment.

Cross-border enforcement

In many countries, mobile enforcement is the only method to catch foreign violators. Sending letters to a foreign company might not reach the owner, or the owner cannot be identified because of lack of access to the foreign vehicle registry. The only method guaranteeing payment of a fine, and therefore the tolls, is the mobile patrol. European

cross-border enforcement directives are limited to road safety and are not applicable to tolls.

Typically, staffing and adaptation of parking spaces represent the highest cost. Cost also varies according to enforcement strategy. Typically, the aim is not to maximize enforcement revenue, but to minimize evasion at the lowest cost and without systematic gaps. This might include a mix of high visibility and surprise effects, time periods of high and low control density, but also fine levels.

Mobile enforcement is a practical and proven approach to enforce payment on extensive tolled road networks, and will remain the key to success for many years to come. n

Opposite and below: Mobile,

flexible and handheld enforcement can be used to carry out random checks

Below: An enforcement

tablet device

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