ERP (Electronic Road Pricing) systems have already been implemented to mitigate adverse effects caused by heavy traffic in the heart of major cities. To date, ERP has adopted a DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communication) technology approach. The drawback of the DSRC based ERP system, though, is that an extensive infrastructure such as fixed gantries and roadside equipment around the charge zones are required, and the flexibility of the establishment or modification of the charge zones is extremely low. The VPS (Vehicle Positioning System) is a new paradigm from current DSRC technology. It is the next generation ERP technology that enables the flexible establishment of an ERP system without the necessity of the extensive infrastructure, by having an in-vehicle unit (IVU) which does all of vehicle position recognition, charge zone entry and exit determination, and charge processing. An original VPS based ERP system has been developed and proven in public that it is capable of being realized, through field trials in Hong Kong that were planned by the Hong Kong government. (A*)
Abstract