The eToll system, which is a key tool in the road toll collection process, is constantly improved and developed to meet the growing expectations of users and the challenges posed by the dynamically changing transport sector . The updates and modifications introduced are intended not only to facilitate access and use of the system, but also to expand its functionality and increase the level of security of stored data. Today we will look at recent changes, mainly focused on the issue of fees and the consequences they will have on the everyday use of the system by its users.
The origins of the eToll system date back to the years when the need to introduce a more effective, automatic road toll collection system was first identified, which would replace traditional methods based on manual toll collection. The main goal was to improve traffic flow on the roads and minimize downtime related to toll collection , which had a direct impact on reducing exhaust emissions and improving traffic flow. Over the years, the eToll system has undergone a number of technological innovations that have made it more efficient and user-friendly. Advanced vehicle identification technologies were introduced, such as RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) or technologies based on license plate recognition, which enabled automatic charging of tolls without the need to stop vehicles.
How does eToll work? Basically, the eToll system works by automatically recording vehicle passages through road gates equipped with special readers. Vehicles equipped with appropriate transponder devices or registered in the system via the eToll application are identified at the time of travel, and the toll is automatically charged to the user's account. This solution significantly speeds up the toll collection process, eliminating the need to stop at toll gates and pay manually.
As of January 1, 2024, users of heavy vehicles using toll road sections under the eToll system will have to adapt to the new electronic toll rates. This change is the result of the announcement of the Minister of Infrastructure, published on December 22, 2023 in the Official Journal of the Republic of Poland "Monitor Polski", which is based on the update of the provisions of the Act of March 21, 1985 on public roads.
The new electronic toll rates have been calculated based on both national and EU regulations, including Directive 1999/62/EC on charging for the use of road infrastructure by heavy vehicles and regulations on pollutant emission standards (Euro 5, Euro 6, Euro VI ). These changes concern vehicles using national roads of classes A and S, as well as GP and G, and are related to the permissible total weight of vehicles and their impact on the environment .
New rates are being introduced for class A and S national roads and their sections on which electronic tolls are collected, which are intended to reflect current guidelines on pollutant emissions and provide adequate funds for the maintenance and expansion of road infrastructure.
New rates have also been established for GP and G class national roads and their sections, which take into account both environmental protection issues and the need to finance road infrastructure.
The change in electronic toll rates is intended not only to adapt the system to current ecological and infrastructure challenges, but also to promote the use of vehicles with lower pollutant emissions . Users of the eToll system, especially carriers and transport companies, must prepare for fee updates, which may require a review and adjustment of financial plans for 2024.
To facilitate adaptation to the new rates, tools are available to calculate the amount of collateral required in accordance with applicable rates. They enable users of the eToll system to precisely plan costs related to tolls, which is crucial for effective financial management in the transport sector.
The latest changes in the eToll system bring significant updates to toll rates for heavy vehicles. They are directly related to the desire to increase the efficiency and eco-friendliness of road transport, as well as the need to finance the maintenance and expansion of road infrastructure. It is worth emphasizing that these regulations are also intended to promote responsible behavior among transport companies and drivers of heavy vehicles , encouraging them to contribute to environmental protection.
One way to minimize the negative impact of heavy transport on the environment is to regularly inspect the technical condition of vehicles and use high-quality spare parts available in trusted automotive stores , such as Autos. Regularly servicing vehicles and replacing worn parts with new ones that meet the latest exhaust emission standards not only contributes to increased road safety, but is also a key element of the strategy to reduce the impact of transport on the environment.
