An automated non-stop toll collection station along Hà Nội-Bắc Giang highway. — VNA/VNS Photo Huy Hùng

HÀ NỘI — Deputy Prime Minister Trịnh Đình Dũng has asked the Ministry of Transport to report on the progress of the implementation of automated non-stop toll collection on build-operation-transfer (BOT) highways to the Prime Minister.

The deadline is November 30.

The report will focus on analysing the real situation, difficulties and obstacles facing the implementation as well as evaluate the possibility of the completion of the project.

The transport ministry is required to propose comprehensive and feasible solutions, including specific measures to tackle the difficulties, in order to apply automated non-stop toll collection for all toll stations nationwide as projected.

In July, Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc pushed for the implementation of automated non-stop toll collection on highways across the country with a deadline of the end of the year.

The PM said the transport ministry and other ministries and agencies have actively deployed automated toll collection and gained positive results. However, the process remained slow, failing to meet requirements.

The transport ministry was tasked to increase inspection and supervision, ensuring smooth operation of automated non-stop toll collection systems. The ministry was responsible for supporting BOT investors and toll tax collectors in applying the model.

In order to pay a toll through the automated system, automobile owners will be granted an e-tag free of charge along with a toll payment account.

The cards are required to be placed on the front window of the automobile, and when the vehicle passes a toll collection lane, a Radio Frequency Identification system installed at the toll station will activate a camera to photograph the vehicle’s number plate while reading the e-tag.

The toll will be deducted from the driver’s account and a text message will be sent to the account holder’s mobile phone.

More than 700,000 vehicles were given e-tags as of June, according to the transport ministry. — VNS