While that doesn’t sound out of the ordinary, there is one particular part of the PLUS’ announcement that caught our attention though: the mention of Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system. Working together with a Toll Validation Centre (TVC), they would ensure a seamless journey for RFID users at PLUS highway according to the company. [Image: PLUS Malaysia.]When we tried to obtain more information regarding the implementation, the search had led us to this RFID booklet that PLUS has published on its website [pdf]. It revealed that the RFID payment system at all nine toll plazas within the Hutan Kampung and Sungai Dua stretch have been integrated with ANPR. Equipped with high-resolution cameras, the ANPR system would capture and record a vehicle’s plate number into a centralised depository which would then match the number with the corresponding RFID tag. In the event of a problematic transaction, the TVC would then step in to look at the info captured by ANPR to verify and calculate the exact toll cost for the user. [Image: PLUS Malaysia.]We do wonder why PLUS decided to integrate the ANPR system with RFID as theoretically, the company could actually implement it as a standalone payment system instead of just being used to verify RFID transactions. One great example of a successful ANPR payment system in Malaysia is the Sunway Smart Parking in Sunway Pyramid which supports multiple payment options including manual Touch ‘n Go card and Visa debit/credit card tap at the exit. Then again, PLUS has deemed the implementation of the RFID – ANPR system as the first step towards the ultimate goal of having the barrierless multi-lane free-flow highway experience in Malaysia. Well, let’s see how things go from here then. (Source: PLUS.)
