The Norwegian Customs Authority (Tolletaten) has upgraded the border crossing system at the Svinesund and Ørje checkpoints, by replacement of traditional traffic lights with new digital signal boards integrated with cameras.

Two Signal Boards

The first board is located before the entrance to the customs station, and provides a real-time list of license plate numbers and corresponding driving instructions as detected by the ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras. 

The second board is positioned at a curve on the approach to the checkpoint, and displays the signal specifically for the vehicle currently in front of it.

However, when the ANPR cameras may fail to read a license plate, then the vehicle’s number will not appear on the board.

If this happens, the second signal board will show a red signal without a license number. Drivers must then either use a tablet device available at the station to manually enter their license number or seek assistance at the customs office. 

Based on the entered information through the tablet, it will immediately display either a green or red signal. 

Vehicles not registered with the Digitoll system will also receive a red signal on the boards.

Summarizing, system already works, but those who are not using Digitoll are directed to old procedure. In the future, when Digitoll will be obligatory and every transport will be cleared before crossing the border, licence plates will be recognized and truck will pass the border smoothly, without stopping.