"ALPR systems provide an accurate and reliable means of Vehicle Identification in Congestion Charging systems."

Congestion charging involves charging a rate that varies based on the roadway used, and the time of day. The ultimate goal of congestion charging is to modify driver behavior and encourage the use of alternate routes in the interest of improving system wide traffic flow and reduce congestion. The concept of congestion charging has been under consideration by many agencies for quite some time. It has been implemented on a number of occasions in Europe and Asia, and has growing interest in the United States. It provides for a reduction in congestion along with enhanced mobility and economic productivity, as well as environmental and energy costs. It also provides a source of additional funding for transportation investments. Despite this potential, the concept of congestion pricing remains controversial in many potential applications. It involves a new approach to dealing with congestion problems and charging for road use. However as more and more cities implement the concept it becomes more acceptable

In an inner-city environment there are many constrictions imposed on the design of a congestion charging system. TDS License Plate Recognition systems, when used in a congestion charging scheme, can provide the primary means of identifying, charging, and enforcing vehicles. The TDS LPR system is easily integrated into the city surroundings and can still provide a high field of vision. The complexity of city traffic (cyclists, pedestrians as well as parked and turning vehicles) does not compromise the performance of the TDS system. The system provides documentation of transactions including the vehicle image and license plate identification.