Background
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) issued guidance on the correct use of entry and exit lanes on the Phnom Penh–Sihanoukville expressway. The instruction aims to reduce traffic congestion, shorten waiting times and improve flow at toll plazas through appropriate use of available electronic and manual payment lanes.
Scope of Application
The guidance applies to all road users of the Phnom Penh–Sihanoukville expressway. It covers vehicles equipped with on-board units (OBU), vehicles using automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) based payment, and vehicles that rely on manual toll collection (MTC) and cash payment.
Key Provisions or Decisions
MPWT describes three main types of priority lanes for entry and exit on the expressway:
- ETC lanes: Vehicles equipped with an OBU installed on the windshield and with sufficient prepaid balance must use ETC lanes, located on the far left. Vehicles without an OBU are not permitted to use ETC lanes, even if they have prepaid funds.
- ANPR lanes: Vehicles with sufficient prepaid balance linked to their license plate may use lanes marked ANPR. This lane type allows automatic fee payment based on number plate recognition, without the need for a card or cash.
- MTC lanes: Vehicles without an OBU and without prepaid balance linked to the license plate must use MTC lanes marked with the indicated symbol. Use of these lanes requires taking a card at entry and paying in cash at exit.
The guidance also explains that users can top up balances linked to vehicle license plates in advance through mobile banking applications of partner financial institutions and banks cooperating with MPWT, or via the website https://ew.mpwt.gov.kh, which connects to banks that support plate-based expressway fee payments.
Users can check existing or remaining balances by scanning a QR code printed on the vehicle technical inspection certificate or on the permit document for motorcycles.
MPWT further notes that the expressway company will add additional markings and signs at entry and exit lanes in the near future, as illustrated in accompanying images, to improve advance understanding of lane types, avoid congestion and prevent incorrect lane usage.
The ministry calls on road users to comply with traffic law and follow the lane usage instructions correctly to help reduce traffic congestion.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
The guidance clarifies the operational and payment modalities for using the Phnom Penh–Sihanoukville expressway, including the distinction between OBU-based ETC, ANPR-based electronic payment, and manual toll collection. Transport operators and logistics businesses can use this information to choose suitable payment arrangements, ensure vehicles are equipped and registered correctly for ETC or ANPR lanes, and plan for prepaid balance management through partner banks or the designated online platform. Correct lane usage as described is necessary to avoid delays at toll plazas and to align with MPWT’s operating procedures for the expressway.
Official Source
The information is based on an announcement published by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport on its official Facebook page on 23 January 2023.
