WO1994028515A1

WO1994028515A1 - Apparatus for pricing road usage by vehicles

Info

Publication number: WO1994028515A1
Application number: PCT/GB1994/001188
Authority: WO
Inventors: David John Cutts
Original assignee: David John Cutts
Priority date: 1993-06-02
Filing date: 1994-06-01
Publication date: 1994-12-08
Also published as: GB2278704B; GB9410932D0; GB9311387D0; GB2278704A

Abstract

Apparatus (2) for pricing road usage by vehicles (4, 6), which apparatus comprises a plurality of vehicle processor devices (8) which are for use one in each vehicle and which are such that they are programmable with data which identifies the vehicle, transmitter means (10) for sending data to the vehicle processor devices (8), and a plurality of interrogator devices (12, 18, 26) which are for use in travel zones and which are for interrogating the vehicle processor devices (8) in vehicles which are in the travel zones. The apparatus (2) is such that it only acts to enforce the pricing for the road usage when it does not receive confirmation of a vehicle's right to be where it is in one of the travel zones at the time of an interrogation by one of the interrogator devices (12, 18, 26). Thus functioning of the apparatus (2) to enforce the pricing for road usage is minimised.

Description

APPARATUS FOR PRICING ROAD USAGE BY VEHICLES

This invention relates to apparatus for pricing road usage by vehicles.

There are many different types of known apparatus for pricing road usage by vehicles. The known apparatus relies either on taxation of vehicles, on taxation of petrol use or on tolling. The taxation of vehicles does not discriminate between persons using roads frequently or infrequently. The taxation of petrol use is not geographically selective. The use of tolling is only workable in small areas and it tends to become too complex when applied over large areas. Furthermore, existing apparatus for pricing road usage by means of tolling is often complicated, expensive, unable to handle high numbers of transactions, and unable to handle the transactions in such a way that the privacy of vehicle occupants is not infringed.

It is an aim of the present invention to provide apparatus for pricing road usage by vehicles, which apparatus is able to be operated in a flexible and enforceable manner, thereby making the apparatus practical for both an operator and vehicle users.

Accordingly, the present invention provides apparatus for pricing road usage by vehicles, which apparatus comprises a plurality of vehicle processor devices which are for use one in each vehicle and which are such that they are each programable with data which identifies the vehicle, transmitter means for sending data to the vehicle processor devices, and a plurality of interrogator devices which are for use in travel zones and which are for interrogating the vehicle processor devices in vehicles which are in the travel zones, the apparatus being such that the vehicle processor devices and the interrogator devices repeatedly interact to determine that vehicles in the travel zones have the right to be in the travel zones, the apparatus being such that it does not act to enforce the pricing for the road usage when it receives confirmation of a vehicle's right to be where it is in one of the travel zones at the time of the interrogation, and the apparatus being such that it only acts to enforce the pricing for the road usage when it does not receive confirmation of a vehicle's right to be where it is in one of the travel zones at the time of the interrogation, whereby functioning of the apparatus to enforce the pricing for the road usage is minimised.

When it is necessary for the apparatus of the invention to enforce the pricing for the road usage, this may be effected by reporting the identity of the apparatus, for example by taking a note of one or more electronic identities held in each vehicle or by taking a photograph of a unique electronic identity given to each vehicle. If desired, the enforcement of the pricing for the road usage may involve disabling the engine of a stationary vehicle. Generally, any suitable and appropriate method for enforcing the pricing for the road usage may be employed.

The apparatus does not need to act to enforce the pricing for the road usage when it receives confirmation of a vehicle's right to be where it is in one of the travel zones at the time of the interrogation. This right of the vehicle may typically be purchased in advance, for example by subscription. Alternatively, if desired, this right of the vehicle may be acquired by the use of a defined amount of pre-purchased credit or value held in a security processor. Such use can be noted and after completion of the journey can be reported and further value obtained.

Usually, the vehicle processor device will conduct the determination of the right of the vehicle to be in the travel zone. Alternatively, if desired the interrogator device may conduct the determination of the right of the vehicle to be in the travel zones.

Usually the vehicle processor will be of anti- tamper construction. The vehicle processor devices may thus be such that they each comprise a first part for being fixed in a vehicle which is able to securely store and process data relating to the vehicle itself, and at least one detachable security means which is able to interact with the first part. The detachable security means is preferably a Smart card. Any suitable and appropriate other detachable security means may be employed, for example a secure microprocesor held in a module with battery powered memory.

The apparatus may be one in which each vehicle processor and each detachable security processor includes a unique identity, and in which the transmitter devices each include address means for addressing the vehicle processor and detachable security means.

Usually, the vehicle processor devices will be such that they are able to include one or more other rights in addition to the right to be in the travel zone. The one or more other rights may be rights to one or more available services and/or rights to one or more concessions. Thus, for example, the service rights may be rights to traffic reports or to parking, and the concession rights may be to a discount on a priced facility for a disabled person.

Usually, the apparatus will be one in which the transmitter means continuously transmits data to the vehicle processor unit. The data sent by the transmitter means will usually be sent in the form of coded data. The coded data may be cryptographically protected data.

The vehicle processor devices and the interrogator devices may interact by means of coded data. The coded data may be cryptographically protected data.

The apparatus of the invention may be such that the transmitter means transmits first and second message data streams, the first message stream being such that it contains first coded data which is cryptographically protected and from which is derived the proof of the right of the vehicles to be in the travel zone, and second coded data describing the conditions for providing the proof of the one or more rights; and the second message data stream being such that it includes coded data which is cryptographically protected and which gives rights for individual vehicle processor devices of individual vehicles or individual detachable security means which require those rights and which may have the right to receive those rights.

In addition the apparatus of the invention may be such that further message streams are transmitted which contain coded data which describe the rights and conditions in readable form and in addition contains coded data that is cryptographically linked to the proof of the right and which is used to demonstrate in readable form that the proof of a right to be in a travel zone has been provided.

In addition the apparatus of the invention may be such that further message streams are transmitted which contain coded data which is cryptographically protected and which may only be displayed or used inside the vehicle if the vehicle processor or the detachable security means contains the right to display or use the coded data.

The first message data stream may change regularly every few seconds.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows schematically apparatus for pricing road usage by vehicles;

Figure 2 shows a vehicle processor device used in the apparatus shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the electronic layout of the vehicle processor device shown in Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the electronic layout of an interrogator device used in the apparatus shown in Figure 1; and

Figure 5 illustrates the operation of the vehicle processor device as shown in Figure 2. Referring to Figure 1, there is shown apparatus 2 for pricing road usage. The apparatus 2 is illustrated being used with vehicles in the form of cars 4 and a commercial van 6. As will be appreciated, the vehicles can be any other suitable and appropriate vehicles including lorries, buses, coaches and motorcycles.

Each vehicle 4, 6 contains a vehicle processor device 8. The vehicle processor devices 8 are such that they are each programable with data which identifies the vehicle.

The apparatus 2 comprises transmitter means 10 for sending data to the vehicle processor devices 8. The apparatus 2 is such that there is one transmitter means 10 for each one of a plurality of predetermined travel zones. The various transmitter means 10 may be under the control of a main transmitter (not shown) .

The apparatus 2 still further comprises a plurality of interrogator devices. One interrogator device is shown in Figure 1 as a mobile interrogator device 12 for use by a policeman 14. The policeman 14 can use the mobile interrogator device 12 whilst he is standing by a roadside or whilst he is in a police car 16. Another interrogator device is shown in Figure l as a fixed interrogator device 18. Fixed interrogator devices 18 can be positioned at key ^" roadside points in the different travel zones. The mobile interrogator devices 12 use detachable security means in the form of smart cards 20. Similarly, the fixed interrogator devices 18 use detachable security means in the form of smart cards 22. The interrogator devices 12, 18 check the right of vehicles to be where they are in the travel zones. The interrogator devices 12, 18 are also able to store and report information relating to vehicles not having the right to be where they are in the travel zones. The mobile interrogator device 12 operates in conjunction with a base station 24. The base station 24 may be located at a police station or other depot.

Localised use of the apparatus 2 may employ interrogator devices in the form of local interrogator devices 26 which can be used at tolls or car parks for parking cars 28. The local interrogator devices 26 may each use detachable security means in the form of a Smart card 30, and the local interrogator devices 26 may operate generally as described above for the interrogator devices 12, 18.

The vehicle processor device 8 has a first part 31 for being fixed in a vehicle, and a second part in the form of a Smart card 32. The Smart card 32 is a detachable security means.

The transmitter means 10 receives data through the data network 34. The network 34 may be supervised by a network management operation 36 which may handle all security and traffic information functions. The traffic information functions may include the issuing of Smart cards to drivers of the vehicles 4, 6, and to the interrogator devices 12, 18, 26.

The apparatus 2 may derive necessary data from an authorised data base 38. This authorised data base 38 may be a government data base such for example as would be held in a driving vehicle licence centre. The necessary data may be distributed to the illustrated transmitter means 10 by the control transmitter means (not shown) .

The apparatus 2 may be operated such that rights to use a road and also rights to acquire one or more other offered rights, for example the right to traffic information or the right to park, are sold to vehicle drivers or other appropriate persons through a variety of retail means supported by customer management centres 40. The customer management centres 40 can work for one or more operators who control travel zones, tolls or parking facilities.

The travel zones are controlled by zone controllers 42. The zone controllers 42 may each deliver entitlements to receive rights to Smart card 41 for the transmitter means 10. The entitlements may then be sent by radio transmissions from appropriate zone transmitter means 10 to appropriate vehicle processor devices 8.

Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown a vehicle processor device 8. The vehicle processor device 8 is shown with its Smart card 32. The Smart card 32 is uniquely related to the driver of a vehicle.

The first part 31 of vehicle processor device 8 shown in Figure 2 displays the current date 44 and a current service code 46 received from an over-air transmission. The date 44 and the service code 46 are displayed in a panel 48.

The date 44 and the service code 46 may be interrogated via a transponder 50 in the first part 31 of the vehicle processor device 8. Alternatively, the date 44 and the service code 46 may be interrogated via a remote transponder 52. The over-air transmission is received by means of an aerial 54.

The vehicle processor device 8 has a keyboard 56. The keyboard 56 may be mounted wherever suitable in a vehicle, in order to be convenient and safe for a vehicle driver. The keyboard 8 is used for selection or confirmation of a required right or rights.

The first part 31 of the vehicle processor device 8 may also include a display panel 58 showing the status of the vehicle owner. In Figure 2, this status is shown by the word RESIDENT. Figure 3 shows the electronic layout of the vehicle processor device 8 shown in Figure 2. Thus the vehicle processor device 8 comprises a radio frequency tuner 60 and a demodulator 62 for receiving incoming broadcast data relating to a travel zone and to one or more other rights offered in that travel zone. The incoming data is received via an aerial 6 . The data is passed to a control processor system 66 which has access to a secure memory 68 which identifies the particular vehicle in question. The control processor 66 also communicates with the driver's Smart card in a card reader 70.

As shown in Figure 3, output is shown on a visual display panel 72. The output may also be via a microwave (or other localised line of sight) communications unit 74 and an antenna 76. The driver of a vehicle communicates with the communications unit 74 via a keyboard 78. The communications unit 74 is connected to the vehicle ignition and detects the communication from the keyboard 78 via an ignition detection circuit 80.

Referring now to Figure 4, there is shown a block diagram circuit for the mobile interrogator device 12. A similar circuit may be employed for the fixed interrogator device 18 or the local interrogator device 26. The circuit 82 shown in Figure 4 comprises a radio frequency tuner 84 and a demodulator 86 for receiving incoming broadcast data regarding a travel zone or offered rights. This incoming broadcast data is received via an aerial 88. The incoming broadcast data is passed to a control processor system 90 which has access to a secure memory 92 which identifies the interrogator. The control processor system 90 also communicates with the interrogator Smart card in a card reader 94.

Communication between the vehicle processor 8 and the mobile interrogator device 12 is via a microwave (or other localised line of sight) communications unit 96 and an antenna 98. An operator communicates with the communications unit 96 via a keyboard 100.

As shown in Figure 4, output is via a visual display 102 and via an intermediate data storage 104. The intermediate data storage 104 is connected to a central terminal on a management netv/ork via a data link 106.

Figure 5 illustrates the operation of the transmitter means 10 and the vehicle processor device 8. In Figure 5, it will be seen that the first and second messages are shown Messages l and 2. Also shown in Figure 5 is the secure processor 110 and a decryption device 108, a display 109, a filter 112 for Message 2, a short range communication device 113 which are all normally incorporated into the vehicle processor 8. Also shown are detachable security processors or Smart cards 114. One input to the secure processor 110 consists of Message l which first carries coded data which is cryptographically protected and from which is derived the proof of the right of the vehicles to be in the travel zone and which changes every few seconds, and second coded data describing the conditions for providing the proof of the one or more rights.

Another input to the secure processor 110 is Message 2 which is a stream of messages which carry data to individual processors 110 or Smart cards 114. The data, which is cryptographically protected, carries information on which services and travel zones the vehicle or users have right of access. It also carries data indicating credit which can be used to acquire rights on a pay-as-you-go basis. Inside the first part 31 of vehicle processor device 8 incoming messages 2 are filtered in filter 112 to exclude all messages not addressed to the appropriate security processor 110 or detachable Smart cards 114 in vehicle processor device 8. The data specifically intended for an individual security processor is stored inside it.

In addition further message streams are transmitted which contain coded data which describes the rights and conditions referred to in Message 1 in readable form and in addition contains coded data that is cryptographically linked to the proof of the right obtained from Message l and which are used to demonstrate in readable form that the proof of a right to be in a travel zone has been provided.

As indicated above, the additional message also may carry data which is cryptographically protected and is optionally available to the user of the vehicle and which can be decrypted in the decryption device 108 and made available, for example on the display 109, if the right to do so is carried in one of the security processors 110 or 114.

When a vehicle enters a new travel zone or when a user selects a new available service, the vehicle processor checks the access requirements for the proof carried in Message 1 against the rights contained in the security processors 110 and 114.

If the correct rights data is not already available but the data in Message 1 indicates that it is available on a pay-as-you-go basis, the vehicle processor first checks that suitable credit or value for the purchase is available in a security processor 110 or 114. The amount of credit required to obtain the right is then used and the event recorded in the secure memory of the security processor. If the correct rights data are availabe or have been provided by the use of credit, the vehicle processor device 8 provides proof from the secure processor 110 via the short range communications 113 to the interrogator device 12, 18 or 26. It may also provide a key or other means to the decryption device 108 to enable a display of a demonstration of the proof. If no credit is present or no purchase is completed, the vehicle is not authorised for the right or rights concerned. Thus the vehicle will not prove its right, and will not display the correct message in the display panel 48 of its vehicle processor device 8.

If the interrogator device 12, 18 or 26 finds a correct proof for the right being used, no further transaction need take place. If there is no correct proof, then the interrogator device 12, 18 or 26 may take immediate enforcement action. Thus, for example, the interrogator device 12, 18 or 26 may cause a photograph or photographs to be taken of the vehicle registration. In addition or alternatively, the interrogator device 12, 18 or 26 may request the identity of vehicle and/or the driver from the vehicle processor device 8. These identities may be carried as unique identities in each secure processor device 110 or 114 and transmitted with _.any other suitable and appropriate coded information. The data may be cryptographically protected on transmission to the interrogator device 12, 18 or 26.

It will be appreciated from the above description that the apparatus 2 provides a practical system for both an operator and the users. In addition, the apparatus 2 is flexible to use, whilst being enforceable.

The vehicle processor device 8 may include the following data:

Unit address Vehicle identity Vehicle registration class Vehicle insurance class Vehicle new weight Vehicle gross weight limit. The vehicle processor device 8 may include functions for computing cryptographic algorithms and secure memory to store data concerning rights that are delivered to the vehicle itself and to store the results of calculations combining these rights with further rights.

The detachable security devices or Smart cards 32 may carry information related to users of the vehicle. These users may be the driver, some or all of the passengers, or the load that the vehicle is carrying. The detachable devices or Smart cards 32 may each include the following attributes.

- A unique identity which may also act as an address for messages directed to the vehicle processor device 8.

- A secure microprocessor for algorithms for computing cryptographic functions.

- A secure memory to contain data concerning, for example,

- the user;

- rights which the user has purchased (for example to use a particular road or parking place) ;

- credit for the user to acquire further rights;

- concessions that a user has by virtue of the user's status, for example registered disability or diplomatic status;

- duties that a user has fulfilled, for example to obtain a licence to drive a particular type of vehicle or to be insured to drive;

- load;

- weight;

- type; - source and destination; and

- value .

The vehicle processor devices 8 may act as master control devices to compute first that a driver has the right to drive the vehicle. If the driver has no right to drive, this fact can be incorporated into a response to one of the interrogator devices 12, 18 or 26, and it can also be incorporated into a display on the display panel 48. If desired, if driver has no right to drive, then disablement of the vehicle by its engine management control system may be effected.

The vehicle processor devices 8 are also able to compute the rights and concessions available to the ensemble of the vehicle, its driver, passengers and load. The ensemble of rights may be computed by combining the rights held in the vehicle in the first part 31 of the vehicle processor device 8 and the rights held in the detachable Smart cards 32 which are at the time inserted into the vehicle processor device 8. The rights may be additive or rights from detachable processors may provide modification to the original rights. For example, a disabled passenger may introduce rights which enable a vehicle to use a section of road or a parking facility otherwise not available. Alternatively, a modification to an original right may provide a discount on a priced facility. The resulting ensemble of rights may be held in a secure memory in the first part 31 of the vehicle processor device 8, this being for the duration of each trip. Rights are recomputed if the rights held by the Smart card 32 or other part of the vehicle processor device 8, change.

The rights ensemble is used to compute the right of the vehicle to use a road at a particular time by comparing the requirements of the right to be used with the rights ensemble in the vehicle. Thus the apparatus of the invention enables the verification of a vehicle's right to something without causing a transaction between the vehicle processor device 8 and an interrogator device 12, 18 or 26. As indicated above, this is achieved by creating and sending a series of messages to the vehicle processor device 8, using either long range or short range communications. The result of computations based on the messages is to provide proof of the vehicle's right to use a certain right or rights, enabling the use of the right to be validated. The apparatus of the invention is thus able to work without being overloaded by the need to store unnecessary information when no action is required.

Each vehicle processor device 8 may be attached to or near the windscreen of a vehicle. The vehicle processor device 8 will then be easily visible to persons outside the vehicle. The vehicle processor device 8 may provide the following functions:

- reception of data from broadcast transmission from the transmitter means 10, either on a cellular or a wider broadcast basis;

- securely managing the rights of the vehicle and its users to use a road facility;

- detecting the use of rights and establishing the conditions under which the rights may be used;

- providing proof to the interrogator devices 12, 18 or 26 that the vehicle has the right to use the rights being utilised; and

- providing interaction with the driver of the vehicle.

The vehicle processor devices 8 may contain a radio receiver to acquire the message data stream, and a microwave transceiver for performing interaction with the interrogator.

The vehicle processor device 8 may includes its own secure processor which indicates its identity and other data concerning the vehicle. The vehicle processor device 8 may also be such as to be able to receive additional Smart cards 32, or other comparable devices, which are associated with the driver or other users of the vehicle.

The vehicle processor device 8 may have a display which shows the following information:

- system, data and time;

- current zone and service utilised;

- proof status;

- proof message and alarm if present;

- vehicle identity and driver identity if no proof is avai1able,* and

- status of vehicle, for example

- resident/visitor/subscriber

- parked/moving.

The vehicle processor devices 8 will usually be connected to the vehicle battery, in order to be able to receive appropriate data. The vehicle processor devices 8 will consume little power and they may constantly be connected in order to ensure reception. The vehicle processor device 8 will be powered if it is in a paid parking zone. The vehicle processor device 8 will be in a ready to use state when the ignition of the vehicle is switched on. At other times, the vehicle processor device 8 may be switched off or it may be in a sleep mode.

As indicated above, the vehicle processor device 8 will usually have a small keyboard for driver interaction with the transmitter means 10 and/or the interrogator devices 12, 18 26. Thus, for example, the keyboard may enable a vehicle user to confirm a purchase of a right through the use of stored credit, or to make a choice of an available offered right.

The apparatus of the invention may be such that some offered rights are not available to certain classes of vehicle. Thus, for example, non-exempt heavy goods vehicles may be banned from city areas. It is also possible to define resident services which allow residents freely to use the roads in a travel zone in which the residents live. This is shown by the following Example.

EXAMPLE Service 1 Service 2 Service 3 Service 4 Motor car Motor car 3 ton truck Motor car

7.00- 9.00 8.30-18.00 07.00-24.00 Any 16.00-19.00

Ignition On Ignition Off Ignition On Ignition On

Commute Park Delivery van Resident The different travel zones may be defined in a number of ways. Thus, for example, a travel zone may be a geographical zone. The boundaries of the geographical zone may be marked on publicly available maps and on street signs.

Alternatively, the travel zone may be defined by the radio transmission of the data stream. The transmitted data stream will cover the travel zone and it will normally extend slightly beyond the travel zone in order that the data stream for any particular travel zone may be available to a vehicle prior to entry of the vehicle into the.travel zone.

It is envisaged that the interrogation time taken by the interrogator devices will be short, for example less than two seconds.

It may be made a statutory offence to tamper with the apparatus of the invention, for example to disconnect the vehicle processor device 8 from its vehicle ignition or other power, except for the purpose of repairs.

Distribution of the interrogator devices may be under the control of government or other approved organisations. Similarly, distribution of Smart cards or other secure devices for use in the interrogation devices will be under the control of government or other approved organisations. The use of the Smart cards for the vehicle processor devices provides an easy way of having a secure device which can be individually identified and associated with an individual driver rather than a vehicle. The Smart cards can provide access to offered rights on a number of different terms. Payment for desired rights can be by one or more of the following ways.

1. BY SIMPLE SUBSCRIPTION

The subscription can be given by travel zone and priority. The higher the priority the more congestion critical periods are accessible.

2. BY TOLL

Individual journeys, especially tolls, can be identified as trip numbers and authorised separately, either in advance or on the spot at a toll booth.

3. BY CREDIT PAY PER TRIP

Credit held in a Smart card or other appropriate device can be used to pay for services on a one-off basis. For example, one day in central London could cost ten tokens. These would be deducted from a credit store in a card.

4. BY PAY PER TIME

The same services may be available on a pay per time basis. The credit would then be decremented on the time spent in a particular area. This may be especially useful for parking services.

Usually authorisations will be dated and will therefore have to be renewed in the data stream on a regular basis.

The vehicle processor devices may be equipped to filter the entire data stream for such entitlement messages and pass them to a Smart card.

All credits and authorisations may be delivered to the Smart card in the broadcast data stream. Alternatively, the credits and authorisations may be inserted at appropriate terminals in Post Offices and other suitable locations.

Purchases may be handled through on-line subscription management services run by road pricing companies or agencies.

The Smart cards may be limited to use in certain vehicles or for certain vehicle types. Thus drivers would not be able to use their Smart card in a vehicle beyond the type for which the Smart card was licenced.

Stolen Smart or other cards may be disabled using messages broadcast in the data stream from the transmitter means. Stolen cards may be addressed over- air with a message that causes the vehicle processor device to show an alert. The process for authorising Smart cards using radio transmissions is well understood and may be implemented using a message handling system which can grow with the size and complexity of the overall network. There is no limit to the number of vehicles that can use the apparatus of the invention at any time, since substantially any number of vehicles can be connected to the broadcast data stream from the transmitter means.

It is to be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention described above have been given by way of example only and that modifications may be effected. Thus, for example, any suitable and appropriate vehicle processor devices, interrogator devices and transmitter means may be employed. For example, there may be an interrogator device in each travel zone or, alternatively, some zones may not have an interrogator device where the interrogator devices are used on an audit basis.

Claims

1. Apparatus for pricing road usage by vehicles, which apparatus comprises a plurality of vehicle processor devices which are for use one in each vehicle and which are such that they are each programable with data which identifies the vehicle, transmitter means for sending data to the vehicle processor devices, and a plurality of interrogator devices which are for use in travel zones and which are for interrogating the vehicle processor devices in vehicles which are in the travel zones, the apparatus being such that the vehicle processor devices and the interrogator devices repeatedly interact to determine that vehicles in the travel zones have the right to be in the travel zones, the apparatus being such that it does not act to enforce the pricing for the road usage when it receives confirmation of a vehicle's right to be where it is in one of the travel zones at the time of the interrogation, and the apparatus being such that it only acts to enforce the pricing for the road usage when it does not receive confirmation of a vehicle's right to be where it is in one of the travel zones at the time of the interrogation, whereby functioning of the apparatus to enforce the pricing for the road usage is minimised.

2. Apparatus according claim 1 in which the vehicle processor devices conduct the determination of the right to the vehicle to be in the travel zone.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 in which the vehicle processor devices are of an anti-tamper construction.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3 in which the vehicle processor devices are such that they each comprise a first part for being fixed in a vehicle and which is able to securely store and process data relating to the vehicle itself, and at least one detachable security means which is able to interact with the first part.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4 in which the detachable security means is a Smart card.

6. Apparatus according to claim 4 or claim 5 in which each vehicle processor and each detachable security processor includes a unique identity, and in which the transmitter devices each include address means for addressing the vehicle processor and detachable security means.

7. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the vehicle processor devices are such that they are able to include one or more other rights in addition to the right to be in the travel zone.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7 in which the one or more other rights are rights to one or more available services and/or rights to one or more concessions.

9. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the transmitter means continuously transmits data to the vehicle processor units.

10. Apparatus according to claim 9 in which the data sent by the transmitter means is sent in the form of coded data.

11. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the vehicle processor devices and the interrogator devices interact by means of coded data.

12. Apparatus according to claims 7 and 11 in which the transmitter means transmits first and second message data streams, the first message stream being such that it contains first coded data which is cryptographically protected and from which is derived the proof of the right of the vehicles to be in the travel zone, and second coded data describing the conditions for providing the proof of the one or more rights; and the second message data stream being such that it includes coded data which is cryptographically protected and which gives rights for individual vehicle processor devices of individual vehicles or individual detachable security means which require those rights and which may have the right to receive those rights.

13. Apparatus according to claim 12 and in which further message streams are transmitted which contain coded data which describes the rights and conditions in readable form and in addition contains coded data that is cryptographically linked to the proof of the right and which is used to demonstrate in readable form that the proof of a right to be in a travel zone has been provided.

14. Apparatus according to claim 12 or claim 13 in which further message streams are transmitted which contain coded data which is cryptographically protected and which may only be displayed or used inside the vehicle if the vehicle processor or the detachable security means contains the right to display or use the coded data.

15. Apparatus according to claim 12 in which the first message data stream changes regularly every few seconds.

16. Apparatus for pricing road usage by vehicles, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.