Automated toll collection at 28 stations to start from June 30
As of February 22, auto toll systems have been installed at eight stations along these two axis routes, mainly in central Vietnam and the Central Highlands, and five such toll stations have applied non-stop toll collection and automatic weight control, the ministry said. These eight toll stations fitted with automated systems include Quang Dong (Quang Binh), Toan My (Dak Nong), Tu Nghia (Quang Ngai), Tam Ky (Quang Nam) and Hoa Phuoc (Quang Nam), among others.
The initial operating cost of the auto toll system is the same as the manual one, as calculated by the automated collection project owner VETC Joint Stock Company, but this cost will gradually fall in the long run.
According to VETC, difficulties in the negotiation process between this service provider and BOT investors have resulted in the project’s delays. Meanwhile, BOT investors are concerned about the fees charged by the service provider, and they want to have more service providers so that road builders can choose one suitable to them.
To speed up the construction progress, Minister of Transport Truong Quang Nghia asked the non-stop auto toll service provider to propose reasonable prices to conclude contracts with the BOT investors.
The launch of non-stop auto toll collection not only saves time for drivers but also helps BOT investors to save costs in ticketing, lowers road maintenance costs at toll stops, and helps State agencies monitor collections.
