Secret gov leak , roll tolls

Quote:

Satellite tracking technology is still not sufficiently advanced to enable pay-as-you-drive road charging, according to the results of Transport for London (TfL) trials.

TfL staged comprehensive tests of satellite tracking across London (Computing, 5 October), but has ruled out implementation in the immediate future because back-office functions such as billing were still prone to errors.

The organisation is planning tests of charging based on distance travelled next year after the trial demonstrated some significant improvements. A combination of tag and beacon technology and number plate recognition was found to be more suitable for congestion zone charging.

TfL global positioning system architect Nick Williams says the trial tested all aspects of the technology, including back-office applications, not just performance of the on-board tracking unit.

Improvements in technology led to the average location error dropping from 9.7 metres to 6.7 metres, but the best-performing system still had an average billing error of 0.86 per cent. ‘That is nowhere near what is required in terms of billing accuracy, but the gap is closing,’ said Williams.

The Department for Transport is pressing ahead with road-user charging plans that could form the basis of a national scheme, and is working with local authorities to develop regional pilots.

Gartner analyst Mike Williams says satellite tracking technology is evolving and TfL is wise to revisit trials next year.

‘While TfL is likely to have encountered significant errors, the launch of the Galileo satellites is likely to enhance vehicle positioning accuracy,’ he said.

I just saw this article. What makes it interesting to me is that it indicates a multi system approach. So even if we cover the GPS with the foil used to wrap our sandwiches, they will presumbaly catch you on an ANPR system. I would also guess that if you trip the ANPR and your vehicles tag doesn't respond to the beacon, you will receive a surprise vehicle inspection to check that GPS, tag, and whatever else are all functioning correctly. I just hope they don't make it too expensive to use the roads.

People might just be forced to find alternatives (to government for instance).
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