This paper describes some recent developments in automatic debiting and electronic payment of tolls and other road charges, and discusses some of the problems and issues that arise. The actors involved are users, collectors and financial institutions. Relevant variables include: (1) the user-collector relationship, which may be implicit or explicit, direct or indirect; (2) the terms of payment; and (3) privacy. Electronic collection offers users a choice between prepayment and postpayment; it is bound by certain financial regulations. Electronic payment is currently implemented through magnetic cards, complying with International Standard ISO 3554 and ensuring that privacy is maintained where is maintained where necessary. Widespread use of automatic debiting depends on the development of various support technologies, which is now in progress. To implement these methods of electronic payment, various technological and institutional problems need to be solved. The smart card must be able to satisfy severe environmental constraints, and be able to perform transactions in rapidly moving vehicles. Efficient transaction authentication is required. New procedures are needed, to give financial institutions more flexibility and improved financial security.
Samenvatting