The main task for TC is to collect toll from trucks as efficient as possible and transfer the collected toll to the government. The creation of the satellite-based system enables the company to charge toll without stopping the trucks, so traffic jams before toll collection gates can be avoided. A minimal burden is placed on the truckers. This service is enabled by several processes which are pieces of the whole service. Figure 13 shows a brief overview of these processes.
Figure 14: Activity overview TC
9.1.1 Automatic toll collection
The first option is the automatic log-on option. Truckers receive an On-Board Unit (OBU) whereby their traces are tracked through a satellite system. The OBU identifies the route which the vehicle is travelling and automatically calculates usage charges with current toll rates. The toll information of the OBU is subsequently encrypted and transmitted to TC through wireless mobile communication. Truckers are charged per driven kilometer on toll-liable roads in Germany and receive a monthly
invoice. Figure 14 shows a brief overview of automatic log-on activity.
Figure 15: Automatic toll collection
Toll transfer to government Automatic toll collection (AV) OBU Manual toll collection (MV)
Internet log-on Toll station log-
on Enforcement Automatic enforcement Stationary enforcement Mobile enforcement On-site enforcement
72 Appendices | Robin Barwegen 9.1.2 Manual toll collection
The manual toll collection activities exist out of two different options. The first option is the manual log-on option. Users manually log-on via the Internet up to three days before the start of their journey. The user can either select an already registered vehicle, or another vehicle (e.g. a rental truck). The system calculates the shortest possible route in the network is generated when the user inserts the start and ending point of the route. This route can be accepted or modified to own preferences. When proper route has been accepted the user books it and receives a log-on receipt. Figure 15 shows a brief overview of the activity.
Figure 16: Manual toll collection via internet log-on
The second option encompasses a log-on at a toll-station terminal. This system is similar to a purchasing a ticket from a vending machine. Users insert all relevant vehicle data along with the starting time, starting location and destination. The system then calculates the shortest route within the roll road network. Users can modify the route again and when he or she is satisfied the route can be confirmed. The system automatically calculates the maximum route completion time to prevent multiple use of a route with a single log-on. Finally, the driver receives a log-on receipt. Figure 16 shows a brief overview of the activity.
Robin Barwegen | Appendices 73
9.1.3 Enforcement
In order to ensure that every toll-liable user pays toll an enforcement system which monitors traffic has been set up. These tasks are not entirely carried out by TC, but are shared with the Federal Office of Goods Transportation. Enforcement is carried through four different activities: automatic enforcement, stationary enforcement, mobile enforcement and on-site enforcement.
Automatic enforcement is done through the installation of 300 permanently installed enforcement gantries. These record approaching trucks and check whether trucks that are toll-liable are logged onto the system. The number plates of all other vehicles are read out and compared with the data stored at the TC computer centre. If no log-on, in what way whatsoever, is detected TC conducts an investigation. If necessary, retroactive payment is demanded. This information is also transferred to the government. If vehicles have been logged-on correctly, the data is deleted.
Stationary enforcement encompasses the transfer of information regarding potential toll violators to the government. Officials of the government can stop suspected vehicles for a detailed inspection. This allows the government to immediately clarify the situation, and where necessary, impose fines. Mobile enforcement is done through monitoring vehicles 24 hours a day to ensure that tolls are paid correctly. This is done by the government who installed 300 mobile teams. These teams operate in a similar fashion as the automatic enforcement. Information of the toll collection database from TC is compared with data of toll-liable vehicles. If discrepancies emerge, the trucks can be stopped to clarify the matter.
On-site enforcement regards spot checks at transport companies throughout Germany. The checks are partly done randomly, but also if there is suspicion that toll in not paid correctly. This is carried out by the government.
The main task for TC is installing the necessary technology into the vehicles of the government which execute the enforcement. The technology includes both software and hardware. The government gets access to the databases of TC in order to compare it with identified toll-liable vehicles. TC also provides the enforcement gantries and the equipment which is installed into the vehicles of the government.
74 Appendices | Robin Barwegen