Impact assessment of urban GPS positioning error on intelligent transport systems road use charging service

Performance of modern satellite navigation systems open a wide range of new Information and Communication Technologies' (ICT) applications, enhancing sustainability, energy efficiency and friendliness to the environment. Introduction of the Road Use Charging (RUC) scheme aims to provide a framework for optimal management of road traffic resources and fair charging for the actual road use. Since the RUC scheme relies upon an accurate and robust position determination, the choice of satellite navigation system for the task is obvious. Still, satellite navigation suffers from ambient-induced sources of positioning estimation error that can undermine its role in RUC scheme. Here we present a case study conducted in Zagreb, Croatia with the aim to assess the probabilities of false negative (Type I) position estimation errors. As Type I errors may cause erroneous impression on the actual position of the vehicle on the specific kind of the road, thus affecting the charging process, it is essential for RUC deployment to assess the probabilities of the false identification. The results of the analysis of Zagreb experimental data reveals compliance of GPS positioning performance to the task of accurate and robust position estimation for RUC.