Expanded EETS market in spite of hurdles, latest EFP progress report showcases significant advancements
The European Electronic Toll Service (EETS) market has witnessed significant growth and integration across 15 European countries, with the multi-lane free-flow system being expanded to the Asti-Cuneo motorway in Italy. This expansion, however, may slow due to limited industry resources and ongoing technical adjustments.
The complexity of integrating EETS across multiple toll domains remains a challenge, but efforts are being made to address this issue. A revised standard contract for EETS providers has been designed to facilitate national interoperability in Italy, and certification of new onboard units (OBUs) remains a critical issue due to variations in technical and legal requirements between countries.
EETS providers are allocating increasing resources to system maintenance and regulatory compliance. In newly integrated tolling systems, EETS market share surpassed 40% within the first 12 months of operation, and market penetration has exceeded 60% in at least one country.
Challenges in implementing new systems and maintaining cross-border harmonisation are addressed in the latest EETS Facilitation Platform (EFP) Progress Report, which covers the period from 1 July to 31 December 2024. The report outlines key developments in EETS provider accreditation, regulatory updates, and country-specific tolling advancements.
CO2-based tolling has been introduced in Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, and Denmark. Germany implemented a CO2-based toll system through Toll Collect, which includes tariff parameters linked to vehicle emissions and CO2 classes, aiming for greater transparency and environmental pricing. Other countries explicitly having introduced or planning CO2-based toll systems are not detailed in the search results.
Nationwide tolling is being introduced in the Netherlands, and free-flow tolling systems are being expanded on selected roads in France and Italy. The Alsace region in France is preparing to implement a regional tolling system, while Slovakia, Slovenia, and Poland have begun preparations to implement similar changes.
The European tolling landscape is expected to continue evolving with regulatory shifts, infrastructure upgrades, and cross-border integration efforts in 2025. The Global Road User Charging Conference series is expected to take place in Brussels (March 2025), Abu Dhabi (May 2025), Miami (September 2025), and Singapore (October 2025), providing a platform for industry professionals to discuss these developments.
Market penetration rates vary significantly across Europe, depending on factors such as domestic versus international traffic levels, the timing of EETS adoption, and the regulatory environment in each country. As the EETS market continues to grow and evolve, it is essential to address these challenges to ensure a seamless and efficient tolling experience for all users.
