The Future of Tolling and Traffic Management in Slovenia: Interview with Blaz Gostisa, VP East Europe & General Manager Q-Free Traffic Design

In this interview, Blaz Gostisa VP East Europe & General Manager Q-Free Traffic Design, shares insights into key projects in Slovenia, current trends in tolling and traffic management, and a vision for the future of the region. Blaz’s team is at the forefront of evolving traffic management and tolling infrastructure in the region, working to deliver innovative solutions that prioritize safety, efficiency, and sustainability.

Could you start by describing the main projects your team is working on in Slovenia?

Absolutely. Like Q-Free′s business areas, our team in Slovenia is primarily focused on two main areas: Tolling and Traffic Management:

For tolling, we’re partnering with Telekom Slovenije on a 10-year project managing one of Q-Free’s largest tolling systems, which tracks freight vehicles over 3.5 tons.

This system has been in place since April 2018 and includes 133 toll gantries, 26 mobile enforcement units, 145 customer service points, and 57 handheld units, all supported by our online back office. Recently, we upgraded it to support the European Electronic Toll Service (EETS), integrating Toll Service Providers like Telepass and Toll4Europe.

Our other main area is traffic control and management, which we’ve overseen since 2004. We handle everything from design to installation for the country’s traffic infrastructure. Our system connects five regional centers to a central hub, with over 300 variable message signs and data collected from hundreds of detectors and sensors across Slovenia. This helps us manage traffic flow, monitor road safety, and alert drivers to hazards like wrong-way vehicles or bad weather.

Are there any upcoming projects you’re particularly excited about?

Certainly! There are a few significant projects on the horizon. By November 2024, the Slovenian parliament plans to incorporate the EU Directive 2022/362 into national law. This update means we’ll need to adapt the Slovenian Truck Tolling System to account for new CO? emission classes by 2025.

In terms of our traffic management system, we’re focused on a project around the Ljubljana Ring Road, where we’re optimizing traffic algorithms and implementing new traffic programs to integrate a range of new technological equipment. A key part of this project will be the installation of 25 new Q-Free C-ITS units to enhance connectivity and real-time data capabilities on the Ljubljana Ring.

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How have customer demands shifted over the past five years?

Over the last years, we’ve seen a major shift in the demand for robust information security and compliance with standardized processes in software development and maintenance. At Q-Free, we utilize technology to improve road usage and infrastructure, a vital societal role that brings great responsibility and new concerns.

Given the current global landscape and geopolitical situation, we, like our customers, are increasingly focused on adhering to security standards and best practices. Cybersecurity risks are rapidly rising, becoming more sophisticated and complex.

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Looking ahead, what changes do you foresee in the next 5-10 years for the region?

Much of the conversation now centers on the green transition and sustainable development, both of which are crucial for the traffic industry, as transportation currently accounts for nearly 25% of global carbon dioxide emissions and , underscoring the importance of sustainable practices in this sector.

In this context, technologies such as digitization, artificial intelligence, and other smart solutions are essential for using resources more efficiently and reducing the industry’s environmental impact. For example, advanced tolling systems could play a critical role by decreasing reliance on fuel-based taxes and aligning more closely with broader sustainability goals.

A less-discussed sustainability issue within traffic is road safety. In 2023, road accidents in Europe resulted in approximately 20,400 fatalities and over 1.1 million injuries, highlighting the urgent need also for enhanced safety measures across the EU.

What makes Slovenia unique compared to other markets in terms of tolling and traffic management?

Slovenia is small, with only about 2 million people. But, as the saying goes, “poison comes in small bottles”—we may be small, but we are mighty!

While we may not reach the same project scales as larger countries, Slovenia is a unique market that consistently seeks to keep pace with more developed regions. Where we can’t achieve high volumes, we instead focus on influencing the broader Eastern European region.

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Any final thoughts you would like to share with us, Blaz?

Slovenia is poised to make a significant impact in tolling and traffic management. We’re ready to continue innovating, ensuring we bring the best solutions to support safety, efficiency, and sustainability for everyone on the road.