This paper describes VPS (vehicle positioning systems) technology, discusses the development of VPS-based EFC systems in Germany, European research projects, Switzerland, Australia, the UK and in the Hong Kong Electronic Road Pricing Feasibility Study. It describes the INITIATIVE project which is demonstrating aspects of interoperability between DSRC and VPS-based EFC. It summarises the development of standards for VPS EFC within the ISO and CEN standardisation bodies. It compares the advantages and disadvantages of DSRC and VPS approaches, focusing in particular on cost and enforcement issues. It presents results from the various trials which have taken place, in particular from Hong Kong. It outlines the potential for integrating EFC with other ITS applications. It discusses the applicability of VPS to road user charging programmes around the world, including Denmark, Germany, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Australia and, in particular, the UK. A discussion is presented of the particular issue of enforcement for VPS systems, which is more complex than for DSRC systems because enforcement points are not necessarily contiguous with charge points. The paper concludes with a discussion of the relevance of VPS EFC to the current Integrated Transport Policy in the light of developments in Road User Charging in the UK. (A)
Abstract