EU seeks to end road toll hassles

(BRUSSELS) - Europeans could soon drive across the continent without lining up or struggling to find change and credit cards at toll booths, under new measures adopted Tuesday by the European Commission.

The decision paves the way for the creation of a single European Electronic Toll Service (EETS) allowing people to drive through toll gates without stopping while their vehicle's data is relayed via an onboard electronic unit.

"EETS will eventually limit cash transactions at toll stations, thereby improving traffic flow and reducing congestion," the European Union's executive arm said in a statement.

Electronic toll systems were introduced in Europe in the early 1990s, but a vehicle currently needs at least five types of equipment, each covered by a different contract and supplier, to travel from Denmark to Portugal using the automatic system.

Under a harmonised system, road users in the 27 EU nations could take out a contract with a supplier of their choice who would deal directly with road operators and bill their clients.

The system could be available for use on trucks and vehicles carrying more than nine passengers within three years, and up and running in cars within five years, the commission said.