The three centers, which opened yesterday, were first created last August with government investment of more than 400 billion yuan (US$48.19 billion).

One of the centers is in charge of setting up a computerized toll system to reduce the number of times drives have to stop to pay fees during their trip.

Under the new system, drivers will get a magnetic card when they get on the express-way, which they will then hand in at a toll both when they exit the highway. The card tracks drivers' route so they only have to pay tolls one time, and lets the center know which roads are used so it can pay tolls to the appropriate management companies.

As expressways linking Shanghai to the suburbs and neighboring cities are operated by different companies, drivers in the past were charged several times for one trip by different operators.

The two other centers will work together to track traffic flow using video cameras mounted on expressways and respond to accidents.

Once officials are informed of an accident, police and tow trucks will arrive on the scene in 15 minutes, said an official with the Municipal Engineering Administration Bureau.

(eastday.com December 20, 2002)