LPR Tolling for Sanef Highways

Sanef is a motorway management company operating 1807 kilometers of network in France, mainly in Normandy, the Hauts-de-France and Grand-Est regions. They provide information such as a traffic forecast, real-time traffic info map, and webcams so that you can see the motorways for yourself.

Since 1963, Sanef has worked to create a safe and connected system that includes 7 motorways:

• A1, linking Paris to Lille;
• A2, linking the A1 motorway to Belgium;
• A4, linking Paris to Strasbourg;
• A13, linking Paris to Caen;
• A14, linking Paris La Défense to the A13;
• A16, linking Paris to Boulogne-sur-Mer;
• A26, linking Calais, Reims and Troyes;
• A29, linking Amiens to Le Havre.

The Challenge: toll enforcement and fraud detection.

Sanef team started a project to optimize the surveillance infrastructure across the Sanef-operated network, ensuring that toll evasion and journey fraud are effectively mitigated.

This initiative reflects the ongoing commitment to deliver innovative, high-performance surveillance systems that meet the evolving demands of modern motorway management and operations, from camera performance validation to ensuring a seamless user experience. 

The Solution

GEA implemented 1,336 Survision LPR cameras integrated with GEA and Survision systems to significantly enhance SANEF motorway management. Using Visipak, Micropak and Nanopak cameras, this integration ensures a highly efficient system for toll enforcement and fraud detection. 

LPR Cameras were installed in ticketed and ticketless lanes. Also, Streaming Cameras were deployed in lanes to monitor real-time transactions and vehicle interactions. 

Survision also implemented CST, a specialized camera supervision tool that monitors cameras' performance,  certifies their optimal installation settings and notifies on any change that may compromise reading accuracy in real time. Using CST, Survision ensured top-tier camera performance through rigorous testing and validation before deployment.

CST Advanced monitoring features like off-frame plate alerts and automated performance detection ensured continuous and efficient camera operation.

Survision experts also conducted on-site inspections for optimal equipment placement. 

Results

After testing, the 1336 LPR cameras deployed delivered a consistent 98% accuracy; it means that the cameras read plates 100% correctly 98% of the time.

This high accuracy level is crucial for achieving higher service levels, such as: 

Traffic Flow Optimisation: Automated vehicle verification and fraud detection improved the overall traffic flow at toll stations, reducing congestion and enhancing the customer experience.

LPR-based free-flow tolling systems drastically reduce the time spent at toll points compared to traditional toll booths. In a standard toll booth, vehicles typically take 15 to 30 seconds to slow down, pay, and accelerate again. In contrast, with LPR-based free-flow tolling, cars maintain their regular speed, spending as little as 2 to 5 seconds passing through. This means free-flow systems are up to 6 times faster than traditional tolling, significantly reducing congestion and improving traffic efficiency, especially in high-traffic areas.

This time reduction simultaneously enhances the driving experience and lowers fuel consumption and emissions.

Toll Evasion Reduction: The combined accuracy of the LPR system and real-time monitoring substantially reduced fraudulent toll evasion, increasing revenue and minimizing losses.

Operational Efficiency Enhancement: The monitoring tool enabled faster issue detection and resolution, monitoring camera performance, notifying of malfunctions, and providing detailed troubleshooting for LPR cameras. This increased team efficiency and response time to potential incidents.

Rapid Return on Investment: The reduced fraud losses, coupled with improved traffic management and resource optimization, resulted in a rapid return on investment for the operators.

Ecological Impact: Survision’s cameras consume little power and operate on a very light infrastructure, making it easier to protect the surrounding environment. Also, the considerable reduction in vehicle braking and acceleration time at the booth significantly contributes to lower emissions and fighting air pollution.