Transport for London (TfL) is reviewing the technology behind the congestion charge scheme to allow for the introduction of initiatives such as tag and beacon, satellite tracking and distance-based charging.
The organisation has started the procurement process for the next stage of the congestion charge and wants to deliver more flexible charging methods.
The contract with technology provider Capita expires in 2009.
‘TfL is reviewing the congestion charging scheme, including the potential use of new technology and different charging structures, to provide more flexible charging and to ensure the benefits of the charging scheme are maintained,’ a Tfl spokesman told Computing.
A trial of tag and beacon – where credit card-sized tags are fitted to windscreens and scanned by infrared roadside beacons – has been under way in Southwark since the start of the year, and Tfl hopes to replace the bulk of the present number-plate recognition system when the Capita contract expires.
The spokesman says the 500-car trial will continue indefinitely until there is enough data to commence a full rollout, which could involve the introduction of account-based charging.
TfL says the future contract must be flexible and that any new infrastructure should be able to cope with potential extensions to the congestion charge zone and the introduction of new road pricing schemes.
In 2003 Capita was fined £1m for poor performance of the scheme, and by 2005 had suffered further fines of £3.5m.
AA Motoring Trust head of road and transport policy Paul Watters says future systems must be reliable. ‘The system was strained when it launched and the risk of errors during introduction of a new system is a big concern,’ he said.
‘New technology such as tag and beacon tracking could enable the introduction of monthly accounts or allow the charge to be paid for using an Oyster card to create a truly integrated system.’
Geraint Day, head of transport at the Institute of Directors, says businesses will support any attempt to simplify the congestion charge provided the cost burden is not too high.
‘Companies will not want to outlay significant sums on new technology such as boxes for satellite tracking,’ he said.
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