Free-flow tolling for Brisbane – the way of the future arrives early
Published Tuesday, 05 February, 2008 at 02:57 PM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
Free-flow tolling is set to speed up trips for Brisbane motorists from 2009, with the new method of tolling to be introduced ahead of schedule on the Logan and Gateway motorways.
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt and Queensland Motorways chief executive officer Phil Mumford today announced plans to introduce free-flow tolling technology at all toll booths on the two motorways by mid-2009, two years earlier than planned.
“We are about to enter a new era with the earlier introduction of free-flow tolling in Queensland,” Mr Pitt said.
“The transition to free-flow tolling on the Logan Motorway, the Gateway Extension and the Gateway Bridge will significantly improve the operation of toll roads in Queensland.
“While originally planned for the Gateway Bridge alone, free-flow tolling will now be extended to the Logan Motorway and Gateway Extension to help create safer and more efficient travel across the road network.”
Free-flow tolling is a cashless, fully electronic, no-stopping tolling system that improves travel times, reduces congestion and enhances safety.
A free-flow tolling environment will provide Brisbane motorists with substantial improvements in travel reliability, simplicity and safety, and eliminate the congestion associated with bottlenecks at toll plazas.
Mr Pitt said the technology already had gained broad acceptance internationally and interstate.
“Queensland has developed to the point where the substantial benefits in time savings, reliability and improved safety are now a ‘must have’ for the tolled road network,” he said.
“Our focus now is on making that happen, and delivering the best technology and product solutions for motorists on Queensland’s roads.”
Mr Pitt said the needs of casual toll users would also be considered.
“Various tolling options are being investigated and the final solutions will cater for everyone – from regulars through to casual toll users,” he said.
With the introduction date brought forward from 2011 to 2009, Queensland Motorways is working to make the transition to free-flow tolling smooth, reliable and user friendly.
Mr Mumford said the immediate focus was to create a suite of tolling products that would be simple, affordable and widely available.
“The implementation of free-flow tolling will see the removal of cash lanes and toll booths, with all tolls instead being paid electronically,” Mr Mumford said.
“E toll transponders will continue to be used when free-flow tolling comes into effect, and motorists are encouraged to get their transponder now and enjoy the benefits of easy toll payment.
“Since late 2006, a team within Queensland Motorways has been focused on developing free-flow systems that will meet the current and future needs of motorists.
“These systems are state-of-the-art and ensure we will be well equipped to deliver cost-effective tolling services and products to our customers now and into the future.”
IBM Australia has been appointed to provide the central system for free-flow tolling and Thales Australia will provide the roadside systems for vehicle identification.
Mr Mumford said Queensland Motorways would work closely with staff affected by the transition to fully outline options and opportunities for ongoing employment and retraining within Queensland Motorways,” he said.
“We will also be working on an individual basis with those affected to explore other options open to them including voluntary redundancy, retirement and employment outside Queensland Motorways.
“There is no change in any role for the immediate future, so our next step is to work together through this transition and continue with the normal high quality of our cash tolling operations.”
For more information on the introduction of free-flow tolling in Queensland go to www.qldmotorways.com.au or to get E toll visit www.etoll.com.au or call 1 3000 ETOLL (1 3000 38655).
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt and Queensland Motorways chief executive officer Phil Mumford today announced plans to introduce free-flow tolling technology at all toll booths on the two motorways by mid-2009, two years earlier than planned.
“We are about to enter a new era with the earlier introduction of free-flow tolling in Queensland,” Mr Pitt said.
“The transition to free-flow tolling on the Logan Motorway, the Gateway Extension and the Gateway Bridge will significantly improve the operation of toll roads in Queensland.
“While originally planned for the Gateway Bridge alone, free-flow tolling will now be extended to the Logan Motorway and Gateway Extension to help create safer and more efficient travel across the road network.”
Free-flow tolling is a cashless, fully electronic, no-stopping tolling system that improves travel times, reduces congestion and enhances safety.
A free-flow tolling environment will provide Brisbane motorists with substantial improvements in travel reliability, simplicity and safety, and eliminate the congestion associated with bottlenecks at toll plazas.
Mr Pitt said the technology already had gained broad acceptance internationally and interstate.
“Queensland has developed to the point where the substantial benefits in time savings, reliability and improved safety are now a ‘must have’ for the tolled road network,” he said.
“Our focus now is on making that happen, and delivering the best technology and product solutions for motorists on Queensland’s roads.”
Mr Pitt said the needs of casual toll users would also be considered.
“Various tolling options are being investigated and the final solutions will cater for everyone – from regulars through to casual toll users,” he said.
With the introduction date brought forward from 2011 to 2009, Queensland Motorways is working to make the transition to free-flow tolling smooth, reliable and user friendly.
Mr Mumford said the immediate focus was to create a suite of tolling products that would be simple, affordable and widely available.
“The implementation of free-flow tolling will see the removal of cash lanes and toll booths, with all tolls instead being paid electronically,” Mr Mumford said.
“E toll transponders will continue to be used when free-flow tolling comes into effect, and motorists are encouraged to get their transponder now and enjoy the benefits of easy toll payment.
“Since late 2006, a team within Queensland Motorways has been focused on developing free-flow systems that will meet the current and future needs of motorists.
“These systems are state-of-the-art and ensure we will be well equipped to deliver cost-effective tolling services and products to our customers now and into the future.”
IBM Australia has been appointed to provide the central system for free-flow tolling and Thales Australia will provide the roadside systems for vehicle identification.
Mr Mumford said Queensland Motorways would work closely with staff affected by the transition to fully outline options and opportunities for ongoing employment and retraining within Queensland Motorways,” he said.
“We will also be working on an individual basis with those affected to explore other options open to them including voluntary redundancy, retirement and employment outside Queensland Motorways.
“There is no change in any role for the immediate future, so our next step is to work together through this transition and continue with the normal high quality of our cash tolling operations.”
For more information on the introduction of free-flow tolling in Queensland go to www.qldmotorways.com.au or to get E toll visit www.etoll.com.au or call 1 3000 ETOLL (1 3000 38655).
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819