Many expressway toll booths are replaced with electronic toll-collection (ETC) devices. [Photo/IC]

BEIJING - China has more than 174 million electronic toll collection (ETC) users across the country, data from the Ministry of Transport showed.

By Nov 27, the total number of ETC users stood at 174.52 million, meaning that 91.44 percent of the total issuance task was completed.

China has seen 93.85 million new ETC users since the beginning of this year, the ministry said.

Earlier this year, the ministry issued a circular to popularize the use of expressway ETC devices, with a target to install such devices on over 80 percent of registered automobiles by year-end.

The policy aims to reduce emissions and logistics costs and relieve traffic congestion on expressways