The Dutch Government intends to introduce road pricing. The envisaged end goal is distance-based charging for all vehicles on all roads, with tariffs that depend on location, time and environmental characteristics of the vehicle. The scope of this research project is to examine the achievable accuracy of distance measurement and the accuracy of determining the applicable tariff in various scenarios for differentiation by time and place. The boundary condition is that the technologies used should allow a robust low-cost solution. Specifically, this research was asked to address six research objectives: 1. What overall level of accuracy of the calculated distance travelled can be achieved with low-cost GNSS-based solutions available today, preferably from different suppliers? Certain specific problem areas relating to short journeys and start conditions are to be addressed. 2. To what extent does differentiation by location (i.e. charging different rates for driving on specific sections of road) affect the accuracy/reliability of the systems? 3. What is the effect of specific conditions (building density, electromagnetic radiation, foliage etc) on accuracy and what solutions are available to mitigate these? 4. What (combinations of) technologies are likely to fulfil the draft requirements of the KMP from an accuracy and reliability perspective, and what are the cost implications? 5. How should the overall requirements on system accuracy/reliability be formulated to ensure a high probability of accurate monthly charges for all participants? 6. Assuming an open market for on board equipment, the investigation should provide some input for a certification framework on the aspect of accuracy and reliability. This final report presents the findings of the research on all six of the research objectives. (Author/publisher)
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