Q-Free, a leading global supplier of intelligent transportation systems (ITS) solutions, has been named a finalist for the Intertraffic Inspiration Award 2026, recognizing the company’s innovative Road User Charging (RUC) solution. The nomination highlights Q-Free’s contribution to next-generation, sustainable road pricing at a time of significant change for transport funding and mobility policy worldwide.

The Intertraffic Awards honor organizations and technologies that are shaping the future of traffic and mobility. Q-Free’s RUC solution was selected as a finalist for its innovative approach to addressing critical challenges facing road authorities, including declining fuel tax revenues, congestion, emissions, and the growing need for fairer and more transparent road pricing models. Beyond its technical innovation, the nomination recognizes a rethinking of how road pricing can evolve alongside changing vehicle technologies, travel behavior, and public expectations—helping policymakers explore new funding models and mobility strategies.

Designed with large-scale deployment in private cars in mind, Q-Free’s RUC solution represents a next-generation approach to road pricing. Small, battery-powered, and easy-to-install onboard units make the system practical and cost-efficient, overcoming limitations of earlier RUC systems that were primarily developed for heavy vehicles. Privacy is central to the solution’s design, addressing one of the most significant barriers to public acceptance of distance-based charging. The company’s privacy-by-default approach collects only essential data and aligns fully with modern GDPR requirements.

Developed in close collaboration with road authorities, research institutions, and service providers, Q-Free’s RUC solution is designed to meet the practical needs of policymakers while delivering clear benefits to road users. With growing international interest, the solution is positioned as a scalable model for next-generation mobility and sustainable infrastructure funding.

“Being named a finalist for the Intertraffic Awards is a strong recognition of the work our teams and partners have done to rethink how road pricing can support sustainable mobility,” said Mark Talbot, CEO of Q-Free. “Road User Charging is becoming critically important as transport systems evolve, and we are proud to lead with a solution that combines innovation, privacy, and real-world applicability.”

The winners of the Intertraffic Awards will be announced during Intertraffic Amsterdam, one of the world’s leading events for traffic and mobility professionals, taking place March 10-13, 2026.