Press releases
Road pricing technology available now, says IET Transport panel
04 May 2007
The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) Transport Panel has predicted that it is inevitable that road user charging will be introduced in the UK. The panel has called on government to open the debate on road pricing and to better inform the public as to why it will be necessary in the future.
Speaking at a briefing organised by the IET, Professor Phil Blythe, chairman of the IET Transport Panel, said that road user charging is inevitable if the UK is to tackle increasing congestion. There are approximately 30 million vehicles on today’s roads and this figure is set to increase by a third in the next 15 years.
Professor Blythe said: “The issue is not whether we pay, but how we pay. There are not many other options left that are available to us to manage our transport system.”
Members of the panel said they believe a hybrid technology system will be used to monitor and charge road users. Jack Opiola, member of the Transport Panel and International expert pointed out that the three technologies will include cameras to read number plates, electronic tags in vehicles and GPS - to work out the time, location and distance travelled. The combination with third and fourth generation communications protocols will make up a complete system.
Andrew Pickford, member of the Transport Panel said: “Satellites will simply provide signals for vehicle on-board units to ensure correct charging is applied based on the time of day, the distance being travelled and the position of the vehicle. The objective is not to ‘spy’ on drivers. The process is aimed at ensuring the user is fairly charged.”
The panel highlighted the potential benefits that such a system could bring by using the charging technology as a platform for additional services. For example, information could be passed to this smart technology to let the driver know of an accident and offer an alternative route and even reserve car parking spaces.
Successful road user charging schemes already exist world-wide, including in a number of European countries, plus Australia, South America and Singapore. Heavy goods vehicles are charged in New Zealand, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the US.
Sian Weaver
Media and PR Officer
The Institution of Engineering and Technology
T: 020 7344 5443
M: 07725 498 116
E: sweaver@theiet.org
Notes to editors:
The IET Transport Panel included:
- Professor Phil Blythe, Professor of Transport, Newcastle University and Chairman of the IET Transport Sector Panel
- Dr Bill Gillan, Principal Scientist, Transport Research Laboratory
- Jack Opiola, Principal, Booz Allen Hamilton
- Andrew Pickford, Principal Transport Technology Consultants
- Dr John Walker, Chief Technical Consultant, Thales
Quotes
Professor Phil Blythe said: “The issue is not whether we pay, but how we pay. There are not many other options left that are available to us to manage our transport system.”
Dr Bill Gillan said: “Charging units need to be inexpensive and easy to install. There may need to be incentives to encourage drivers to fit the equipment in their vehicle so they are ready to use the system at switch on”
Jack Opiola said: “Drivers’ privacy can be protected by current data protection and privacy laws combined with e-payment systems including debit cards, such as the Oyster card used on London Transport, bank-issued contactless credit cards and mobile telephones enabled with Near Field Communications (NFC).”
Andrew Pickford said: “Satellites will simply provide signals for vehicle on-board units to ensure correct charging is applied based on the time of day, the distance being travelled and the position of the vehicle. The objective is not to ‘spy’ on drivers. The process is aimed at ensuring the user is fairly charged.”
Dr John Walker said: “The technology is available now. Number plate reading, electronic tags inside vehicles and GPS would all work together to manage a road pricing scheme.”
The Institution of Engineering and Technology
The Institution of Engineering and Technology is the largest professional engineering society in Europe and reflects the interdisciplinary, global and inclusive nature of engineering and technology.With a worldwide membership of more than 150,000, the Institution aims to lead in the advancement of engineering and technology by facilitating the exchange of knowledge and ideas at a local and global level and promoting best practice, ensuring that its members are thoroughly equipped to meet the needs of today's rapidly changing technological world. Membership comprises of individuals from a diverse range of technical backgrounds including IT, communications technology, electronics, electrical, power engineering, software, control, informatics and manufacturing and range from students to leading figures in industry, research and development and education.The IET was formed in 2006 by the Institution of Electrical Engineers and the Institution of Incorporated Engineers.