The Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry announced Thursday that it will consider the introduction of the electronic toll collection system (ETC) at all toll booths on expressways nationwide and close cash collection booths. The ministry decided that the elimination of contact between drivers and employees in charge of toll collection is necessary to curb the novel coronavirus outbreak.
A panel of experts will discuss details, including when the ETC system will be introduced at all toll booths and how to promote the use of vehicles equipped with the system.
Because 93% of vehicles already have the ETC system equipped, the ministry will begin introducing the system at toll booths in areas with high usage rates and from there will gradually introduce them nationwide. The ministry is also considering measures to collect fees from cars unequipped with ETC that have driven onto the expressway by mistake, such as by scanning their license plate and collecting the fees at a later date.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
