Secure access added to automatic toll systems

The two companies are now in advanced field trials of a new feature enabling secure access to protected areas. The Telepass toll collection system is used throughout Italy by 8.5 million drivers and is an example of a Smart-Driving system.

The toll collection system, jointly designed and manufactured by ST for Telepass, uses contactless radio frequency (RF) communications to evaluate where and when drivers use toll roads. In a new pilot project, and on top of a number of enhancements to lower power consumption and extend battery life, the on-board toll collection units have been upgraded with a more secure RF communication link to roadside terminals and tolling servers, as well as with corporate networks, to enable access to the IT systems of corporate and private protected areas. The system can also pair with a dedicated smartphone app to distinguish between road tolls and secure access to protected areas. The new on-board tolling units are currently being field tested at the STMicroelectronics site in Catania, Italy.

“Over the years of their collaboration, ST has delivered more than 15 million devices to Telepass and we are now using our latest ultra-low power and security technologies in the new generation of the Telepass on-board tolling units to extend its functionality with access to protected areas,” said Nunzio Abbate, General Manager, System Lab and Subsystem Product Group, STMicroelectronics. “We’re now enabling the next phase of smart, connected, convenience enhancing technology, producing and testing this jointly designed Telepass device, which will be compliant with both of the European road-tolling standards.”

“Telepass and ST have been collaborating for 25 years to develop ever more sophisticated electronic tolling systems, and the project that we present today is an example of this,” said Ugo de Carolis, CEO of Telepass. “This enhancement confirms our strong commitment to development and innovation, increasing Telepass’ leadership in Italy and Europe. In Paris yesterday we presented the new interoperable European Telepass, which for the first time in Europe allows vehicles to travel and pay tolls using a single on-board device in five European countries including Italy.

“By partnering with ST,” de Carolis continued, “we are leveraging our know-how to test the next generation system with new features and user customisations through smartphone access. In the new Telepass system, we combine Smart-Environment technologies with those of Smart Driving, reinforcing our long standing objective - mobility that is more efficient and environment friendly, and can offer services, even off the highway. With the new Telepass, users will be able to securely access protected areas, thanks to the Pyng app. Moreover, the lane dedicated to Telepass customers even allows faster and easier crossing of the Strait of Messina.”