Electronic toll collection – how does it work?
A – What is electronic tolling?
Electronic toll collection is a “contactless” payment system that enables travel on tolled road networks. It typically consists of a box (OBU – On Board Unit or “tag”) that is mounted on the windshield of the car.
B – What types of tolls are there?
1. Detection via microwaves (DSRC)
The communication standard used is DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communications). The system, installed in the vehicle, consists of a device on the windshield that transmits microwaves that are picked up by a receiver placed in a toll lane at the entrance and exit of toll zones or at portals on the road network.
Which countries?
France, Spain, Portugal, the Liefkenshoek tunnel in Belgium and pay parking in France and Spain.
Eurotoll offers a unique box/tag that works in all four countries.
2. Satellite-based road toll
Vehicles must be equipped with boxes that register their location via GPS signals that are encrypted and transmitted via the mobile network(GSM) to enable correct billing.
Which countries?
Germany, Belgium.
3. Vignettes
In some countries a vignette is required to use the road network for a predetermined period.
With the Eurotoll card, you can easily buy vignettes for Switzerland and the countries that use the Eurovignette. Your purchases are registered and paid via your Eurotoll invoice.
Which countries?
Switzerland, Denmark, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark.
C – European interoperability
Eurotoll is continuously expanding its coverage of the European road network, offering tags and authentication methods that provide access to 15 European countries and approximately 85% of the total toll network in Europe.
On June 10, 2016, Eurotoll was added to the list of EETS Providers – an important step towards European interoperability.
What is EETS (European Electronic Toll Service)?
EETS is defined by EU Directive 2004/52/EC and Commission Decision 2009/750/EC of October 6, 2009.
Read more here:
EU document on EETS (PDF)
D – Where can I find information about the French toll network?
For road network maps, speed limits, vehicle categories and route planning, visit the ASFA (Association des Sociétés Françaises d’Autoroute) website:
http://www.autoroutes.fr/index.htm
E – Where can I find traffic information for France?
Live traffic information: ASFA Traffic and Bison Futé
Driving restrictions for heavy vehicles: Bison Futé
How does Eurotoll support you?
A – Which countries does Eurotoll’s solutions cover?
Eurotoll offers solutions for travel in 21 European countries.
See more on the “Our services” page.
B – What do I get in the Eurotoll customer portal?
Dashboards with an overview of toll costs – month by month, year by year.
Alerts so you can control your costs.
Customizable reports by vehicle, fleet, manager and more, and easily integrated into your own systems.
C – How do I subscribe to Eurotoll?
By filling out the form on the website
By contacting STRA.com customer service: +45 70 200365
Email: [email protected]
D – What is the difference between a Lumesia T-Pass roof and a TISPL Eurotoll roof?
Lumesia T-Pass: For vehicles under 3.5 tons or under 3 meters in height (cars, motorcycles, vans, etc.). You get access to all Eurotoll services and alerts via the customer portal.
TISPL (Télépéage Inter Société Poids Lourds) tag: For heavy vehicles over 3.5 tons or over 3 meters. With this tag you get discounts from the French highway companies.
E – Advantages of the Eurotoll all-in-one box?
Simplicity:
Plug & Play box, one more device:
European toll (France, Spain, Portugal, Belgium – Liefkenshoek tunnel and soon Austria and others)
Professional geolocation for the transportation industry
One contact person
Security:
Eurotoll pioneers geolocation coupled with toll tags
Savings:
Simple installation without the need for a specialist
Gives access to maximum discounts in France and Spain
Glossary of terms
OBU – On Board Unit:
Payment unit, typically mounted on the windshield of the vehicle.
SCA – Société Concessionnaire d’Autoroute:
Highway consortium in France.
TLPC – Trajet Le Plus Cher:
Refers to the longest possible trip on a toll road.
TLPC can give rise to complaints if the entry is unknown.
Eurotoll helps identify these and provides access to an online complaint tool and handles the dialog with motorway operators.
Useful links
France:
Bison Futé: http://www.bison-fute.gouv.fr/
Ministry of Environment: http://www.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/-Secteur-Routier-.html
Europe:
ASECAP (highway network in Europe): http://www.asecap.com/index.php?lang=en
IRU (International Road Transport Union): https://www.iru.org/