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5.0 Toll Collection Equipment Technology

5.6 VES Design

The implementation of ETC in toll plaza dedicated and express lanes gave rise to the need for a reliable and automated means of identifying violators and mailing legally enforceable citations levying a fine or a fee. This was achieved by deploying cameras and supplemental lighting in the toll lanes to capture the license plate and, in some instances, the rear view of the vehicle. The cameras and lights are mounted either overhead or along the side of the toll lane or roadway. Only cameras mounted on the side and adjacent to the toll lane pose a safety hazard if installed to close to travelway. Conversely, lights mounted either overhead or along the side of a toll lane or roadside can impair the vision of motorists, resulting in a single or multi-car accident. Early implementations relied almost exclusively on cameras and lights installed to capture only the rear license plate. This approach proved to be ineffective in identifying the owner of commercial vehicles, since the trailer being hauled may belong to a third party who should not be responsible for the driver’s violation. Consequently, current VES deployments are including both rear and front license plate image capture equipment, including cameras and supplemental lighting.

 

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