tages exist associated with their use. As with most new technology, these new highway systems are terrifically expensive. The IVHS predicts that the testing and construction of a very advanced vehicle control system will cost approximately $290 billion (Zygmont 18). The system will monitor all vehicles at all times, which could be considered a breach of civil liberties (Clark 387-404). Also, like any computer, the possibility exists that hackers could infiltrate the system and wreak havoc on the computers (Yates 19). If the system should malfunction for some reason, this could create more gridlock or even accidents (19). In addition, the fact that drivers would be watching video monitors instead of the road could lead to possible accidents (19). Finally, common traffic disruptions, such as a flat tire, could interfere with the computer system and cause confusion to many other drivers (19). Another way to revise the current system of traffic control is by reforming the way in which tolls are instituted and collected. One of the most effective and advancing methods of improving the toll system is by collecting tolls electronically. Although it may seem quite difficult, automatic toll collection is technologically simple (Rauber 45-47). Electronic sensors in the roadway scan tags on each car and automatically charge the drivers bank account (45-47). Tested in Hong-Kong, this system proved to be 99.7% accurate (45-47). Electronic toll collection systems have been instituted in Oklahoma and Florida and have proved their efficiency (Zygmont 18). In addition to electronic toll collection, a system called congestion pricing has recently been developed in the field of toll collection (Rauber 45-47). Congestion pricing is a system of tolls which vary according to the amount of traffic on the road (45-47). The more traffic congesting the roads, the higher the price of the tolls (45-47). A congestion pricing procedure can be established using eithe...
