Electronic toll system issues to be handled: Ministry

The country is on track to crack problems in the electronic toll collection system, including higher costs, Ministry of Transport spokesman Wu Chungeng said on Friday.

Starting Jan 1, the country eliminated all 487 physical expressway tollbooths on provincial borders and put the nonstop electronic toll collection system into operation on its 140,000-kilometer highway network, Wu said.

"In the early stage of switching to the new system, drivers have come across some problems like intensified congestion and more expensive charges," he said, adding the ministry has strengthened monitoring of traffic jams and the re-check of toll fees to guarantee a smooth and satisfactory travel experience.

In response to the most concerning issue of higher fees brought by the new system, the ministry is working on the technical improvement of electronic toll collection devices to ensure their stability and will review the toll fees, Wu said.

Wu added the ministry has stepped up efforts to reduce traffic congestion at manned toll booths for quite a few drivers who still haven’t installed the devices.

"Together with the provincial transport authorities and toll stations across the country, we have established a 24-hour monitoring mechanism. After spotting traffic congestions stretching over 500 meters, local authorities will take measures immediately to ease the gridlock," he said.