Automatic vehicle identification-AVI-electronic license plates: the public safety perspective

Describes a plan which envisages that all vehicles are equipped with electronic license plates or tags which are monitored and automatically interrogated by monitor stations located in suitable sites along intercity roads and in cities themselves. This data is transmitted to a regional and/or national data collection center, analyzed, and forwarded to appropriate agencies on a selective and priority basis. Operational data is transmitted online, while historical data can be transmitted in batches outside office hours. This system could also be used by other public and commercial groups for such purposes as toll collection, entrance to restricted areas, traffic control, traffic statistics, licensing, weight-in-motion, and fleet control. Each agency receives data on a need-to-know basis protecting the rights and privileges of the citizen. The AVI system could provide an effective tool to help public safety agencies, as well as other public and private organizations, to carry out their duties and responsibilities in an efficient and cost-effective manner