21-09-2008, 09:05 AM
Electronic road pricing system (ERP) the motorists are charged
In Electronic road pricing system (ERP) the motorists are charged when they use the road during peak hours.
Thus system is used to prevent traffic congestions in roads and highways.
It uses a dedicated short range radio communication system to deduct ERP charges from cash cards.
Advantages of ERPS
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1. Congestion reduction
By introducing an ERPS, users will choose alternative routes, thus reducing the number of vehicles on congested roads.
This will provide an overall improvement in journey time, and increase the productivity and efficiency in work places.
2. Revenue generation
The ERPS will be self-funding, and profits will be used to maintain the road infrastructure.
3. Air Pollution
Emissions from vehicles are increased in stop-start conditions, caused by congestion. So by introducing ERPS the emission levels on the roads can be decreased.
Disadvantages of ERPS
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1. Low Income Earners.
The introduction of the Road Pricing system will actually affect the people with lower income, in the sense that their expenditure will increase.
2. Movement of congestion from motorway to side roads.
In order to avoid using paid roads, drivers will try to shift their journey to side roads and thus increasing the traffic congestion elsewhere.
3. Privacy of drivers.
The fact that the system can record the movements of people using the charged road, the data can be used for other purposes, against them. Thus drivers may be reluctant to accept such a system.
