Motorists traveling the D11 highway near prague might potentially be having their vehicles scanned by a new toll gate equipped with license plate recognition technology. While authorities state the system is used to verify valid toll stickers and collect statistical data, the practice has raised privacy concerns among drivers . Despite capturing images of every passing vehicle, officials confirm no photographs are sent to the toll system, and fines are not automatically issued.
Motorists traveling on Highway D11 near Prague may encounter more than just traffic congestion. Testing of new vehicle technology, including what appears to be a prototype electric Škoda, is frequently observed along this route.
However, a toll gate located around kilometer 80 on D11, near the town of Osice and several Orlen gas stations, is capturing images of every vehicle that passes. The purpose of these photographs and where the data is being sent has prompted questions.
Photo: Mapy.com
The toll gate captures images of vehicles traveling on Highway D11 near the town of Osice and Orlen gas stations.
The Ministry of Transport confirmed that the gate is equipped with license plate recognition technology to verify whether vehicles have a valid time-based toll sticker. This type of data collection is becoming increasingly common on roadways and raises questions about privacy and data security.
According to a statement from ministry spokesperson František Jemelka, the system does not automatically issue fines, even with exceptions to toll requirements, as detailed here.
Photo: Mapy.com
The red flash seen at night indicates that the system has recorded your vehicle.
“Statistics on toll payments are sent in text form to the Electronic Toll System Information System. No photographs are sent to the Electronic Toll System Information System,” Jemelka clarified.
Therefore, the state collects data on the ratio of paying and non-paying drivers, but only in text form and currently for statistical purposes. If you are photographed by this or another gate and do not have a valid toll sticker, it’s best not to panic. To avoid a fine of up to 5,000 CZK on the spot or up to 20,000 CZK in administrative proceedings, exit the highway at the nearest exit or have a passenger purchase a sticker. More information on this topic can be found here.
