China to implement major initiative to accelerate electronic toll collection

Beijing is taking drastic measures to accelerate adoption of electronic toll collection (ETC) devices in the country’s motorway networks by offering drivers who use the system discounts of at least 5%, said the Ministry of Transport in an announcement released Monday.

The policy will come into effect across the country on July 1. Vehicles belonging to government agencies and state enterprises, including police cars and ambulances, will have the electronic payment devices installed by the end of July. China will leverage all resources to ensure that 90% of vehicles are using the ETC system by year-end, Wu Chungeng, spokesperson of the ministry said Tuesday in a media briefing held in Beijing.

Local governments will also be required to report monthly to Beijing about progress meeting goals, including the number of devices installed and usage rates. According to an action plan released earlier this month by the State Council, China plans to remove all expressway toll booths at provincial borders except those at the beginning and end of each highway by the end of this year.

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