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E-Z Pass is here to help all those harried motorists who do not keep a change and still want to pass the toll plaza without stopping. It operates on a prepaid system. You are able to use E-Z Pass anytime, without any restrictions.
E-Z Pass work on the principle of radio frequency identification device (RFID). It is the same system, which storekeepers are use, to track the data in the store, and identify a particular product in the store that is being depleted. In other words your vehicle is being given a new identity so you can pass the toll plaza without having to stop.
The other ways of paying toll are toll machines that block your way until you have made the toll payment. The very act of stopping for toll payment slows down the traffic and everyone behind you is affected. New technology will solve this problem to a great extent.
The communications technology has made it possible for you to pass the toll plaza without stopping. You attach a self-sticking fastener, which you attach to the inside of your front windshield, near the rear view mirror. When you drive through you are recognized by the radio beacon and the transmitter that sits behind your rear view mirror will send out a signal saying that you are an authorized client who has paid. The receiving radio station at the toll plaza reads the signal sent out by your vehicle and validates it by going through its records and if found acceptable, sends out a signal that the vehicle should be allowed to pass through without stopping. Included in this signal, is your basic account information and your identification number.
It works like this:
• The transponder in your vehicle will send out signals when the tollbooth is near.
• The antenna at the tollbooth will pick up the signal that is sent out by the antenna of your car and checks with database for validation of your account.
• The local area network will then pick up this signal and allow you to pass through the gate without stopping. It will then allow you to go through any lane that you desire. There may be separate lanes for vehicles that have to pay hard cash.
• The host with whom you have made the contract has a nation wide network of computers connected to all the toll gates that the contractor will operate.
The operation of system is automatic. The system notes down and records the customer identity, time and date of the drive in plaza and toll charges for each vehicle. When the account balance is low, the transponder will give you a visual or audio signal to indicate low balance and you have to replenish your account if you do not wish to be stuck in on toll plaza.
The speed of your vehicle in the toll plaza may vary, a slow speed of 5 mph to a maximum of 55 mph. The allowable speed is different in each case.
Do not think that the systems with high-speed will allow you to pass behind the vehicle that has been given a signal to pass. Video cameras will track each vehicle and if you try to pass the toll plaza without paying, your vehicle is tracked and you might receive a notice in mail.