The free-flow toll system represents a significant advance in motorway infrastructure management. This innovative system, already successfully implemented in several countries, is gradually being rolled out in France. It offers a host of advantages for fleet managers, hauliers and transport and logistics professionals.
What is Free Flow?
Free Flow is a barrier-free tolling system that allows vehicles to pass through freeway toll booths without stopping. Unlike traditional electronic toll systems, which require you to stop and wait for the barrier to rise, Free Flow has no barrier. The principle relies mainly on license plate recognition or a badge to pay the toll. Vehicles pass under gantries equipped with cameras and sensors, which identify license plates and automatically debit the toll.
How the Free Flow system works
The Free Flow system is based on a number of advanced technologies. Gantries equipped with high-definition cameras detect the license plates of moving vehicles. This information is then transmitted to a central automated payment system, which automatically calculates and deducts the toll from the user's account. To guarantee user confidentiality and security, license plate data is protected and processed according to strict standards. In addition, advanced character recognition algorithms ensure accurate vehicle identification, even at high speeds. This system ensures a smoother flow of traffic on the freeway, eliminating toll stops and considerably reducing journey times.
Free Flow benefits
Free Flow offers many advantages for users and infrastructure managers:
- Smoother traffic flow: by eliminating toll barriers, Free Flow reduces congestion at freeway entrances and exits, improving traffic flow.
- Reduced journey times: drivers no longer need to stop at toll booths, reducing journey times and delays.
- Reduced pollution: by avoiding frequent stops and restarts, Free Flow helps reduce CO2 emissions and fuel consumption.
- Optimized management costs: for freeway managers, Free Flow reduces barrier maintenance costs and improves operational efficiency.
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Telebadges in the age of Free Flow
With the rise of Free Flow, the electronic toll tag remains a practical solution for simplifying travel on those stretches of freeway not yet equipped with this system. This badge offers essential flexibility and convenience, especially for fleet managers and transport professionals.
Telebadges to simplify the transition to electronic toll collection
Even with the increasing implementation of Free Flow, electronic badges are still relevant. Fleet managers and hauliers still make extensive use of electronic toll badges for journeys on sections of freeway not yet equipped with Free Flow. Badges and electronic toll subscriptions, like the Bump Pass, offer hybrid solutions, enabling users to benefit from the advantages of both systems. The Bump Pass solution combines electric recharging with electronic toll collection, parking and washing, making it easier to manage journeys and payments.
Simplification for fleet managers
For fleet managers, the use of remote badges such as Bump Pass considerably simplifies travel management. This multi-service system centralizes payments for tolls, recharging, parking and even car washes, while providing a platform for tracking consumption and costs. It also makes it easier to manage spending limits and authorized periods, giving you total control over operations and associated costs.
Watch out for fines!
With the introduction of Free Flow, it is crucial for drivers to ensure that their license plates are correctly registered and up to date with payment systems or telebadge services. Any errors or omissions could result in fines for non-payment of tolls. Fleet managers need to check vehicle information regularly to avoid additional costs and inconvenience. Rigorous management of license plate data is essential to ensure smooth passage and avoid fines.
Implementing Free Flow in France
France is beginning to adopt Free Flow on several motorway routes. Vinci Autoroutes, for example, has launched pilot projects to test and deploy this system on its network. The results are promising, showing a clear improvement in traffic flow and greater user satisfaction.
Case studies and future prospects
The adoption of the Free Flow system is confirmed by a number of successful case studies and promising pilot projects. By analyzing these concrete cases, we can better understand the prospects and potential for extending Free Flow to the entire French motorway network.
Vinci Autoroutes and the Free Flow project
Vinci Autoroutes, one of France's leading motorway infrastructure managers, has implemented Free Flow projects on several stretches of motorway. The first installations show a significant reduction in toll waiting times and better management of vehicle flows.
The Pedemontana Lombarda in Italy
Another successful example is Pedemontana Lombarda in Italy, where Free Flow has been successfully deployed. The system has cut operating costs and reduced traffic jams, delivering a faster, more pleasant driving experience.
Future prospects
The deployment of Free Flow in France is supported by legislative initiatives such as the Mobility Orientation Law (LOM). This law aims to modernize transport infrastructures and encourage the adoption of innovative technologies like Free Flow to improve the efficiency and sustainability of the French motorway network.
Free Flow represents a revolution in toll collection, offering significant advantages in terms of traffic flow, cost reduction and user satisfaction. For fleet managers and transport professionals, adopting this system means saving time, reducing costs and contributing to a cleaner environment. Projects currently underway in France and abroad are showing promising results, paving the way for widespread use of this technology across the entire motorway network.
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