Innovative techniques for electronic road pricing

Most approaches to electronic tolling, electronic road pricing and road user charging, collectively known as electronic fee collection (EFC), have been based on the concept of short-range communication between an in-vehicle unit and roadside equipment, using dedicated short-range communication (DSRC). This paper outlines an alternative approach which is rapidly gaining credibility and interest. The approach is based on an in-vehicle positioning capability. The paper outlines the basis of the vehicle positioning system (VPS) approach to EFC, and briefly traces its development, concentrating on the trials in Hong Kong. It concludes by drawing some comparisons between the VPS and DSRC approaches.