New $15M automated toll system for Harbour Bridge in April

By April 1, approximately 1,500 vehicles will be registered to use the new automated tolling system at the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB).

The preliminary testing phase yielded favourable results, according to the General Manager Wayne Watson told the News Room on Sunday that since the pilot test began in January, “no hiccups” were experienced with the system.

“We will be meeting with the software developer in the new week to finalise the launch and then the system will be available for public use,” Watson explained.

The new system utilises Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID), a form of wireless communication that uses electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects.

The system presents an instantaneous process of producing a ticket; drivers simply drive up to the toll booth, scan the RFID and go on their way; an electronic receipt of their payment will be accessible online.

With the system, different tags will be created for different vehicles, whether cars, trucks or vans. The authorities are also considering implementing the system for vessels and for that to work, the sensors would need to be placed on the anchorage.

Additionally, toll booth operators will have the option of utilising the cash-based system for drivers without the RFID tag, or any driver who simply wishes to pay with cash.