Road toll scheme delayed by wrong type of smartcard

A traffic management trial that is central to a UK transport policy White Paper was delayed because the technology supplier could not deliver on time.

The Leicester Environmental Road Tolling Scheme (Lerts) used smartcard technology and roadside microwave readers to toll car drivers using a road into the city.

Norwegian supplier, Microdesign delivered cards that could not be read by the kerbside readers, but could be used for ticketing purposes at the park and ride. Replacement cards were eventually delivered but it meant that the trial was delayed by approximately two months.

The delay was detailed in the interim report set out by the head of the project, Ed Tyrer. In it, he claimed car use dropped by 40 per cent when the highest toll was levied. "The project has successfully addressed technological issues," he said.

The project is believed to be central to the content of a UK government White Paper, outlining policy on reducing car traffic throughout inner cities. The paper is due to be published this month but until then it is not clear whether the Department of Transport favours the technology used in the Lerts trial.

A spokeswoman for the Ministry praised the project. "As an experiment it definitely has a place in the White Paper," she said. " It has clearly been extremely valuable."