The web Customer Portal for Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system users in Russia went live on 5 October 2015. The ETC system will be launched in November for all 12+ tonnes HGVs using Russian Federal Highways – with the aim to offset the damage that such vehicles cause to the road surface. The Customer Portal allows Russian and international hauliers to pre-register in the system more than one month in advance of the ETC launch. The service is available both in Russian and in English languages, as is the website.
Alexander Sovetnikov, Director General of RT-Invest Transport Systems LLC, says that the ETC System Operator started pre-registering major Russian corporate clients in August. By 1 October there were more than 300 hauliers in the System with more than 87,000 12+ tonnes HGVs in total. These are major Russian transport companies operating more than 50 HGVs each. The ETC Operator organised their pre-registration in order to help their businesses run smoothly with no interruption.
With the Customer Portal fully operational from 5 October 2015, any HGV Owner can pre-register in the system. The ETC Operator maintains a System Register – a structured database of all ETC users which helps to streamline the toll collection process. HGV Owners and their Vehicles are added to the Register free of charge.
To be added to the ETC System, a haulier must go through six simple steps. At the pre-registration stage 12+ tonnes HGV Owners can fill in an online System registration form at the website, submit electronic copies of Vehicle Registration Certificates and particulars of relevant supporting documents – these will differ for private individuals, sole traders or companies registered in Russia or abroad – and, finally, to undergo a data check. As the system goes live, preregistered user will be able to top-up their account balances or purchase Toll Tickets via the Customer Portal.
