MOTORISTS will soon not have to worry about that dreaded beeping sound which indicates low or insufficient funds in their CashCard.

In fact, they will no longer even need a CashCard in their car to make ERP payments.

By around mid-year, a new service will allow drivers to pay electronic road pricing (ERP) charges when they settle their monthly credit card bill.

This development was part of the Land Transport Masterplan, which Transport Minister Raymond Lim launched yesterday.

"For motorists who wish to do away with the need to carry and top up stored-value cards, the ERP payment system will be further enhanced to allow alternative payment modes, such as credit card payment which will be implemented by mid-2008," read the blueprint for commuter-friendly transport till 2020.

The Land Transport Authority did not have any details on the plan.

However, it is hoped the new system will reduce the 30,000 or so violations chalked up each month by motorists who pass gantries without enough funds.

Banks interviewed said they are ready to jump in to provide this new credit card service. Maybank head of corporate communications Ms Priscilla Loke said the bank is keen to offer the service.

United Overseas Bank's head of cards and payment products Ms Gan Ai Im said: "Card members will find it very convenient for payment of their ERP charges to be made via their credit card."

Motorists also look forward to this.

Many have been fined for running too low in CashCard funds, while some have even had near accidents fumbling to put a CashCard into the reader at the last minute.

Dentist Andre Lam, 50, said it is an excellent move.

"I carry three CashCards with me now, just in case I forget one," he said.

School principal Charles Surin, 46, said it will be convenient.

"More important, it will reduce global warming, as less non-biodegradable plastics will be used to make CashCards," he added.

Others pointed out that not having to keep a CashCard in the car will deter smash-and-grab thefts in cars.

The only hindrance to cardless motoring is in carparks. Industry sources said those which employ ERP payment technology may still require drivers to insert a CashCard.

This article was first published in The Straits Times on Mar 31, 2008.