Toll
Overview
A toll (통행료) is a fee charged to users of highways, toll bridges, tunnels, and specific road sections. It functions as an economic instrument to cover the construction, maintenance, and management costs of transportation infrastructure, regulate traffic demand, and recover private investment capital. Tolls have various collection methods and fee structures depending on the country and section, and recently, electronic toll collection (ETC) and distance-based pricing have been expanding.
Main Content
Historical Background
The origin of tolls dates back to ancient Roman times. The Roman Empire imposed tolls for the maintenance of major roads, and in medieval Europe, tolls for bridges and roads were common. Modern toll roads became widespread with the popularization of automobiles in the early 20th century. In South Korea, the toll system was introduced with the opening of the Gyeongin Expressway in 1968.
Types of Tolls
1. Fixed Rate System: A fixed amount is charged regardless of distance (e.g., urban toll bridges)
2. Distance-Based Rate System: Fees are calculated based on travel distance (most highways)
3. Time-Based Rate System: Higher fees are charged during peak hours (for traffic demand management)
4. Vehicle Type Rate System: Fees vary by vehicle size and weight, such as cars, trucks, and buses
5. Discount and Exemption System: Reductions for local residents, electric vehicles, people with disabilities, and national merit holders
Collection Methods
- Manned Toll Booths: Traditional cash and card payment (gradually declining)
- Electronic Toll Collection (ETC): Non-stop tolling systems such as Hi-pass (South Korea), E-ZPass (USA), and Telepass (Italy)
- Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR): Cameras recognize vehicle plates for post-payment billing (e.g., London congestion charge)
- Distance-Based Charging (GPS): Fees based on travel distance and sections via satellite tracking (e.g., German truck tolls)
Economic Functions
Tolls serve not only as a means of financing but also as an important tool for transportation policy. Congestion pricing reduces urban traffic volume, encourages public transit use, and can also reduce environmental pollution. Additionally, tolls act as a key revenue model for infrastructure expansion through private investment (BTO, BOT methods).
Controversies and Issues
- Double Burden Controversy: Criticism over charging tolls while maintenance costs are covered by taxes
- Equity Issues: Concerns that tolls may impose a relatively higher burden on low-income groups
- High Tolls on Private Highways: Conflict between operators' profit guarantees and user burden
- Demands for Free Road Conversion: Some countries push for free roads after toll expiration (e.g., some US states)
Recent Trends
Key changes in the toll sector as of 2024-2025 are as follows.
1. Accelerated Digital Transformation: Non-stop electronic toll collection systems are becoming standardized worldwide. South Korea's Hi-pass usage rate has exceeded 90%, and the European Union is expanding interoperability among member states through the European Electronic Toll Service (EETS).
2. Expansion of Congestion Pricing: New York City introduced congestion pricing for central Manhattan in 2024, and major cities like London, Stockholm, and Milan have adjusted fees and expanded zones. In South Korea, discussions on introducing congestion pricing in Seoul have been reignited.
3. Environmentally Linked Pricing: Cases of differential tolls based on carbon emissions are increasing. Germany redesigned truck tolls based on CO₂ emissions from 2024, and France expanded discounts for electric vehicles.
4. Renegotiation of Private Highways: In South Korea, social backlash against excessive toll increases on private highways has led to negotiations between the government and operators for profit redistribution and fare reductions. In 2025, toll freezes or reductions were announced for some routes.
5. Distance-Based Charging Experiments: Pilot projects for Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) tax, as an alternative to declining fuel tax revenue, are expanding in US states like Oregon and the Netherlands.
Related Topics
- [[Expressway]]
- [[Congestion Pricing]]
- [[Hi-pass]]
- [[Private Finance Initiative]]
- [[Transportation Infrastructure]]
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