ETCs cards to be made available at emission test centres

Plan to reduce delays on expressway:

Chief Government Whip and Highways Minister Johnston Fernando says that he has instructed Highways Secretary RWR Pemasiri to inspect the possibility for Vehicle Emission Test Centers to issue prepaid cards used for the ETCs (Electronic Toll Collection) at expressways.

Minister Fernando said that he promotes the ETCs to eliminate delays on expressways. ETC booths are available at the Colombo-Katunayake expressway and they would be introduced to other toll collection centres and inter-changes soon. Currently, the ETC pre-paid cards are issued only at the Expressway offices at Seeduwa, Ja-Ela and Thorana Junction in Kelaniya.

“We are planning to introduce the ETC system at the Kerawalapitiya Interchange soon and at other inter-changes in the expressways. People should be able to buy the pre-paid cards hassle-free from places close to them. It will be convenient for motorists if the ETCs are made available at the Vehicle Emission Test Centers. We have commenced a project to promote the use of ETCs at expressways to help alleviate traffic congestion, reduce delays, fuel consumption, and vehicle emissions,” the Minister said.

Currently, the facility of ETC payments is available only through Direct Debit Authorisation systems operated by the Bank of Ceylon, Sampath Bank and the Commercial Bank.

“We plan to extend the availability of this facility in other private and public banks,” the Minister said.