India to introduce automatic number plate reader cameras to enable toll collection; will replace toll plazas

NEW DELHI: Usually we have to pay toll to travel on national highways. It is now customary to charge a certain amount according to the category of the vehicle whether it is a long distance or a short distance travel. But that method is slowly changing. The new system is being introduced on the Delhi-Gurugram Expressway. On this 29 km long national highway, you need to pay toll only for the distance travelled.

Automatic cameras installed on the expressway will detect vehicles travelling on this road. After calculating the distance covered, the payment will be charged through the FASTag system. A camera with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) will be used for this. These cameras will be located at all entrances and exits of the expressway. These will be fully equipped on the highway within six months. With the implementation of the system, the existing Kherki Daula toll plaza will be removed. As the toll is collected entirely by ANPR camera, traffic block and long queues at the toll plaza can be avoided.

There will be a 5 to 10 percent increase in the toll rates in the country from April. There will be an increase of 5 percent for small vehicles and 10 percent for large vehicles. The new fare will come into effect as soon as the approval of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is received.