Discover the key insights, innovations and global perspectives shaping the 22nd edition of the world-leading Road User Charging Conference in Brussels on March 4-5.
As the world’s longest-running independent annual event for the global user-financed transportation community, the Road User Charging Conference continues to shape the future of transportation and mobility. Now in its 22nd year, the prestigious two-day event returns to the Steigenberger Wiltcher’s in Brussels, Belgium, on 4-5 March 2025.
For over two decades, the Road User Charging Conference has been the definitive platform for exploring international perspectives on tolling, road-usage charging and mobility pricing. It plays a critical role in ensuring that the world’s road networks meet the demands of future generations. Attracting industry leaders, policymakers and innovators from across the world, the event serves as an essential forum for active discussion, knowledge exchange, and extensive peer-to-peer learning.
This year’s agenda delves into critical themes, including interoperability, evolving charging models, user acceptance, environmental sustainability, equity and the politics driving tolling and RUC adoption. With a growing focus on smart technology, data integration and policy innovation, attendees will explore how user-financed transportation schemes can address the dual challenges of funding critical infrastructure and meeting climate goals.
Day one highlights
The conference will begin with an opening session from Tom Ghijsels of Brussels Fiscalité, who will provide an in-depth look at the SmartMove initiative, a comprehensive mobility strategy designed to tackle congestion while offsetting declining excise duties from vehicle electrification. This will be followed by Jan Strijk from RDW, sharing updates on the Netherlands’ transition to free-flow tolling and the implementation of its heavy goods vehicle charge.
Teresa Santos from Portugal’s Secretary of State for Mobility will highlight how RUC could help to increase public transport usage while leveraging Portugal’s expertise in highway tolling for urban applications. Attendees will also learn from Capita’s retrospective session on London’s RUC journey, outlining how it has reduced congestion and emissions while increasing public transport adoption.
A key panel discussion will examine how toll roads are accelerating transport decarbonisation. Industry leaders will share their experiences in integrating renewable energy, expanding EV charging networks, and aligning with EU Green Deal targets. Meanwhile, Heimo Haub of Quarterhill will present a session on the complexities and opportunities of migrating to multi-lane free-flow systems.
The afternoon will include insights from Jack Opiola of the US Department of Transportation, offering updates on the USA’s national pilot programme for mileage-based user fees. Another highlight will be a panel exploring how public-private partnerships can deliver smarter tolling infrastructure. What’s more, Dr Peter Junker from Toll Collect will outline the German state-owned company’s roadmap to achieving climate neutrality by 2028.
Mussels in Brussels – a special evening awaits!
This year’s Road User Charging Conference sees the introduction of the Mussels in Brussels Dinner, an exclusive new event taking place on the evening of the first day of the conference. Attendees can partake in a memorable evening of delicious food and engaging conversation at a traditional moules restaurant in central Brussels at 7:00pm on 4 March 2025. Available only to conference participants, tickets are available for €50 (public sector) or €100 (private sector), but availability is limited to approximately 25% of total conference attendees. Early booking is highly recommended to secure your place at what promises to be one of the highlights of this year’s event.
For more information or to reserve your spot, please contact kajal.ravalia@akabomedia.co.uk
Day two highlights
Day two features a world-exclusive presentation from Dr Allison C de Cerreño of MTA Bridges and Tunnels, who will share the latest on New York City’s ground-breaking congestion pricing scheme. This will be followed by sessions exploring Türkiye’s transition to high-speed toll systems and Adam Searle of Capita discussing best practices for managing the world’s largest RUC system, London’s ULEZ.
Later, Sarah Maddock of Transport Infrastructure Ireland will address Ireland’s pathway to implementing road user charges as a solution for financial sustainability post-2033. Additional sessions will delve into Vision Zero targets, enforcement in Slovenian tolling systems, and the introduction of CO2-based tolling in Austria and across the EU.
The day will also include a panel discussion on scaling up EV infrastructure, addressing technical, regulatory, and operational challenges, alongside presentations on Iceland’s RUC journey in implementing user charges for EVs and PHEVs, and the Estonian city of Tallinn’s decade-long free public transport experiment.
Beyond the sessions, the conference also offers seven unrivalled networking opportunities. Attendees can connect with peers during coffee breaks, lunches and social events designed to foster meaningful business conversations and explore partnerships. These moments provide the perfect setting to exchange ideas and build relationships with key stakeholders from leading public and private sector organisations worldwide.
And with exclusive case studies, interactive panels and thought leadership on pressing issues such as climate change, policy innovation and funding infrastructure, the Road User Charging Conference is truly an unmissable event. Join legislators, policymakers, operators and technology vendors in navigating the future of transportation infrastructure funding.
- The full agenda and further details are available at www.roaduserchargingconference.co.uk
Meet our partners
Lead Partner
Capita is a leading outsourcer, supporting public and private sector clients across the UK and Europe in streamlining complex business processes and improving consumer experiences. Operating in eight countries with 41,000 colleagues, Capita delivers people-driven services powered by advanced technology. With adjusted revenue of £2.6bn, Capita specialises in central government, local public services, defence, learning, fire and security, contact centres, and pension solutions. As a publicly listed company, Capita embraces change to meet society’s evolving needs, delivering seamless support services and creating better outcomes for clients, consumers, and stakeholders.
www.capita.comÂ
Since 2008, SkyToll has been a leader in intelligent transport systems, providing advanced solutions for analysing and managing traffic globally. It was the first to develop a unique road charging system combining satellite GNSS technology, microwave DSRC for short-distance communication, and GSM mobile networks. This innovative approach enables tolling on motorways, expressways, and even lower-category roads. The flexibility of SkyToll’s satellite technology allows seamless adaptation to new requirements, increased traffic, and road network expansion without the need for costly roadside infrastructure. SkyToll’s solutions ensure efficient, scalable, and future proof road charging systems.
www.skytoll.comThought Leadership Partners
Ascendi, the second largest private motorway operator in Portugal, manages road infrastructure assets and provides toll-collection services. The company holds majority stakes in six Portuguese road concessions covering 630km and as a free-flow toll service provider manages 136 electronic collection points, processing more than 170 million transactions per year.
www.ascendi.pt
Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. In 2021, Continental generated sales of €33.8bn and celebrated its 150th anniversary. Today, the company employs more than 190,000 people in 58 countries and markets. Its solutions include digital tachographs, telematic modules, tolling units and apps to secure the connectivity of vehicles. Continental also offers hardware, online and app-based data management solutions to ensure fleets comply with transport law while maintaining their trailer and vehicle management needs and assisting drivers.
www.continental.com
With over 40 years of experience in the tolling and enforcement industries, Quarterhill supports leading toll authorities across the USA, managing more than two billion toll transactions annually. Its innovative commercial vehicle inspection technologies are used in over 2,000 lanes globally, helping enforcement agencies reduce weigh station congestion and protect road infrastructure from premature damage. Quarterhill’s expertise in advanced tolling and enforcement solutions ensures efficient operations and sustainable transportation systems for clients worldwide.
www.quarterhill.comPartners
Aurora Insights is Akabo Media’s research and market intelligence service, specialising in tolling and road user charging. This subscription-based platform provides exclusive in-depth post-event reports and expert analysis. Covering the UK, Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, Aurora Insights delivers a truly global perspective. Backed by Akabo Media’s 20 years of experience in the conference sector, the platform draws on data and insights from the Road User Charging Conference series, including presentations, surveys and attendee feedback, to create authoritative and actionable content.
www.aurorainsights.co.ukNGO partner
Founded in 1978, Reason Foundation is a 501(c (3) non-profit organisation in the USA that focuses on an array of policy issues, including transportation, where its research focuses on user fee funding and sensible financing of transportation projects, efficient project delivery, and competitive and customer-driven services that embrace technological innovations. Through practical and innovative approaches to complex problems, Reason seeks to change the way people think about issues and promote policies that allow and encourage individuals and voluntary institutions to flourish.
www.reason.org
Discover the key trends and challenges shaping the future of user-financed transportation –spanning tolling, pricing and road usage charging – at Akabo Media’s global Road User Charging Conference series. Join senior decision-makers from around the world as they tackle the issues defining the industry in Brussels (March 2025), Abu Dhabi (May 2025), Miami (September 2025), and Singapore (October 2025). Gain invaluable insights, share innovative ideas and network with global leaders driving the transformation of transportation systems. Click here to learn more and secure your place!
