DIRECTS route will allow charge schemes to work together

The aim of the DIRECTS project was to develop a business model for road user charging, analogous to the system used for mobile phones (end-to-end interoperability). DIRECTS involved testing at TRL, UK, of a range of satellite positioning and tag and beacon equipment from different manufacturers, examining accuracy and interoperability. This was followed by a trial in Leeds tracking vehicles using two independent systems. It examined what information should be exchanged at each stage of the process from the tag to the back office system. DIRECTS adopted the principle that the transaction between tag and roadside beacon should only detect the presence of the car; price information would be added later. The key result from DIRECTS is a 'kernel specification' called OMISS (Open Minimum Interoperability Specification Suite), which is technology independent. Any road charging schemes that use the kernel specification would be compatible with each other. Whether tag and beacon will be the system of choice when the congestion charge contract is re-let is discussed. Unobtrusive gantries would be required.

• Publication Date: 2006-5-19

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 19-20
• Serial:
  • TRANSPORT TIMES
  • Issue Number: 18

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Artificial satellites; Automatic vehicle location; Communication; Communications; Equipment; Intelligent transportation systems; Road pricing; Standards; Technology
• Geographic Terms: United Kingdom
• Subject Areas: Operations and Traffic Management; Planning and Forecasting; I10: Economics and Administration; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01040773
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: TRL
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Jan 17 2007 8:49AM