High-occupancy toll

A high-occupancy toll (HOT) is a toll enacted on single-occupant vehicles who wish to use lanes or entire roads that are designated for the use of high-occupancy vehicles (HOVs, also known as carpools). Tolls are collected either by manned toll booths, automatic number plate recognition, or electronic toll collection systems. High occupancy tolls are a form of road pricing.

Related Topics:
Toll - Single-occupant vehicle - Road - High-occupancy vehicle - Toll booth - Automatic number plate recognition - Electronic toll collection - Road pricing

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The concept is an expansion of HOV lanes and an attempt to maximize their efficiency in moving vehicles. HOV lanes are designed to promote vehicle sharing and use of public transport by creating areas of lower road use as an incentive. Since some of these areas are under-used and therefore increase congestion, this has led to criticism of the scheme. HOT lanes are one answer to this. Since HOT lanes are often constructed within the existing road space there is much criticism of the idea, most commonly that HOT lanes are an environmental tax or perk for the rich.

Related Topics:
Efficiency - Public transport - Environmental - Tax

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HOT Lanes are currently mostly confined to the United States. If the idea is perceived as a success, they may spread world-wide. Other countries reported to be monitoring the results are Canada and the United Kingdom.

Related Topics:
United States - Canada - United Kingdom

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