On April 16, 2010, Zhejiang Province began to implement weight-based toll collection for freight vehicles. This not only symbolized a new historical milestone for Zhejiang's highways but also greatly promoted the vigorous development of Zhejiang's transportation industry. During the transition from vehicle type tolls to weight-based tolls, Zhejiang highway operation enterprises continuously learned from existing experiences while contacting local realities and boldly explored, eventually successfully transforming Zhejiang's toll method. However, due to insufficient experience, the following issues have been discovered:
1. System deficiencies leading to management flaws:
Currently, Zhejiang's highway system settings do not display vehicle types (passenger or cargo) at the entrance. When the entrance toll collector inputs either a Class 1 passenger vehicle or a Class 1 cargo vehicle, both are displayed as '1'. By the time the vehicle exits the highway, it relies solely on the entrance toll collector's judgment of the vehicle type (passenger or cargo). This has no impact on the original toll amount based on vehicle type, but since the implementation of weight-based tolls for freight vehicles, there is a difference in amounts for different vehicle types, especially for Class 1 vehicles. For example, the toll from Wenzhou South to Ruian is 10 yuan for a Class 1 cargo vehicle, but 15 yuan for a Class 1 passenger vehicle. However, the current system does not provide reminders for changes in vehicle types (passenger to cargo or vice versa), only reminding about changes in vehicle classes, with no prompts or regulations regarding vehicle type changes. This can easily lead to financial losses to some extent. It is suggested that the entrance system be modified to display both vehicle types and classes, showing either '1 Passenger' or '1 Cargo'. If there is a change from passenger to cargo or vice versa at the entrance, it must be authorized by the team leader. This not only standardizes the operations at the toll station but also helps avoid financial losses for the company.
2. Combating drivers evading tolls, plugging leaks and increasing revenue:
Since the implementation of weight-based tolls, toll stations have encountered various forms of toll evasion behaviors, such as drivers jumping scales, killing scales, rushing scales, driving in an S-pattern, or installing fake axles. There are currently no reward or punishment measures for these actions. Even if the driver is caught evading tolls, nothing can be done. This not only encourages drivers to evade tolls to some extent but also hinders the scientific development of the highway industry. It is recommended that corresponding measures be introduced after a smooth transition from vehicle type tolls to weight-based tolls to reduce toll losses and ensure the appreciation of state-owned assets.
3. Differences in toll amounts due to discrepancies in vehicle types under weight-based tolls:
Although weight-based tolls have been implemented, it has been found that there are still discrepancies in toll amounts for long-distance freight vehicles based on vehicle types. This is inconsistent with the weight-based toll system. The main reason for this issue is that some bridges and roads, such as Wenzhou Bridge, have not yet changed their toll methods for freight vehicles and continue to use the original vehicle type-based toll standards, leading to disputes among some drivers regarding weight-based tolls. Of course, this requires the cooperation of all highway management companies in the province to resolve this issue! It is suggested that relevant management units for bridges that have not yet implemented weight-based toll standards quickly establish related fee standards and implement weight-based tolls for freight vehicles, such as charging per ton on Wenzhou Bridge, and finally settling the corresponding tolls according to the entry weight and toll amount at the provincial highway network management settlement center.
Standardized management promotes efficiency, and smile service creates brands. Although weight-based tolls may increase the execution difficulty at toll stations, this toll method is inevitable. Not only does it effectively combat the damage caused by overloaded vehicles to roads, but it also protects the interests of legitimate road transport enterprises, promoting the long-term development of the highway industry. Of course, this requires the establishment of a long-term management mechanism and the full efforts of a large number of staff members. With belief, Zhejiang's highway industry will surely flourish.
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