– Don’t see any other option – E24

Global Courant

From November 1, the Autopass agreement will change from a down payment to a chip subscription for Fremtind Service customers.

Less than 50 minutes ago

The subscription form means fresh money in the coffers for the company. Autopass costs customers NOK 5 per month at Fremtind Service.

This is evident from an email that the company sent to its customers before the weekend.

The company claims that the subscription price covers the costs they incur associated with the purchase, shipping and replacement of toll tickets.

When asked by E24 whether the company can explain why they are taking this step now, commercial director Svein Skovly says that it is all quite simple.

– The bomb chip contains advanced electronics and the price of the chips has risen more than twice as high as the consumer price index in the past two years, Skovly told E24.

– The chip subscription must cover the costs associated with the purchase, distribution and replacement of toll cards. In the last twelve months alone we have purchased more than 120,000 toll tickets. The need will increase next year, he further explains.

Read on E24+

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First said no

The new toll was initially declared illegal by transport authorities, but the system was approved by the Roads Directorate in April.

The charge could cost motorists up to NOK 200 million a year, NTB estimated earlier this year.

The compensation goes to the administration of the toll chip companies, and not to the repayment of the toll debt.

Fremtind initially rejected introducing the fee, but has now reversed course.

– In February we said we had no plans for a monthly payment. In the spring we came to the conclusion that a small monthly amount for motorists is better than a higher amount for a new chip or a replacement chip. The largest issuers have opted for different models, Skovly says.

Understands every frustration

He emphasizes that he fully understands that Norwegian motorists would like to avoid this tax.

– We still don’t see any other alternative, given the high costs we have with chips. It is important to note that we also equip all vehicles that do not pay tolls with tags, and they do not generate any revenue for us. Examples include regular buses, embassy vehicles, emergency vehicles, electric vans and electric trucks.

At the end of 2020, there were 2.8 million Autopass customers.

Consider charging extra

Fremtind Service also reports that they are now considering charging extra for toll crossings without a tag. The reason is that, according to the company, this leads to manual processing, which further entails additional costs.

– This is a general sector problem, the company writes.

– Don’t see any other option – E24

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