Single ETC Tag for Three Countries of the Region from July 1, 2023

A single tag for electronic toll collection (ETC) in North Macedonia, Albania and Serbia, is valid from July 1, 2023, the road maintenance companies of Serbia and North Macedonia announced last week. That means that, using a uniform device, vehicles will be able to pay the road toll without stopping and buying additional devices and cards in each country.

Registration on the website necessary

It is necessary to previously register (reconfigure) the TAG (microwave powered data transponder) at the portal https://openbalkan-etc.com/#

The introduction of a single tag should increase traffic safety and unload the traffic on the highways, both in the sense of passenger traffic in the summer season and in the future, in the segment of goods trade.

– We expect this manner of toll collection to unload the traffic of vehicles at toll booths, to reduce the emission of harmful gases from motor vehicles, and another advantage for the citizens is that they will no longer have to wait in queues in the peak season. On the other hand, it means that they will reach the destination more quickly – says the announcement made by the North Macedonian road maintenance company JPDP.

Part of Open Balkans initiative

The project was announced in September 2021 within the “Open Balkans” initiative.

In North Macedonia, an electronic toll collection system has been functioning since July 2019, at seven toll booths on Corridor 10. The modernization of the implementation of this system at the toll booth Miladinovci, Glumovo, Zelino, Tetovo and Gostivar on Corridor 8 is in progress.

There are also efforts to implement the system in Croatia as well, and there are also negotiations with Greece.

What is ETC?

Electronic toll collection (ETC) is contactless road toll payment with an ETC device for the suitable vehicle category.

ETC enables passing through specially-marked traffic lanes without stopping, that is, road toll collection without stopping or paying with cash.

This makes for a comfortable and safe ride and helps avoid potential stops.

Transactions are done automatically, between the ETC device, which is located on the inside of the front windshield of the vehicle and the special short-reach communications system with an antenna, installed next to the ETC toll lane.

ETC users are obliged to follow the guidelines for the setting up and use of ETC devices. The devices are topped up at specially marked spots, gas stations.

Photo R. John / Unsplash

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