The electronic toll collection (ETC) and road user charging (RUC) market has evolved into four main sectors: conventional single-lane toll systems for highways and motorways, open road tolling, national heavy goods vehicle tolling, and urban congestion charging. A common need is for customer and database management concerning the associated fee collection services. This has led to the development of toll service providers (TSPs). The growing trend towards nationwide charging for road usage and ETC interoperability is outlined. HGV and urban congestion charging projects are primarily business-to-government (B2G) systems. The features of both types of charging are described. The reasons for separating TSP from tolling and congestion charging are considered and the reasons for establishing a TSP company are discussed.
Abstract