With over 25 years of experience in IT and sales, Ronald Jonas, Global Sales Director for Intrada ALPR at Q-Free, has spent his career driving business growth and fostering strategic partnerships.

In this interview, he shares insights on the evolution of Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology, its current market trends, and how Q-Free is leading innovation in intelligent traffic solutions. Learn about the impact of ALPR technology, the role of AI and machine learning, and where the future of smart traffic systems is headed.

What brought you to Q-Free, and how has your journey shaped your role here?
“I started my career as an IT workplace engineer before transitioning into project management and eventually sales. Over 25 years, I worked my way up from a junior role to senior positions. After gaining extensive experience, I was ready for a new challenge—one that involved both sales and the impactful world of traffic technology. When I found Q-Free, it seemed like the perfect fit, offering the chance to join an industry with tangible social benefits. As Global Sales Director for Intrada ALPR, I focus on strengthening customer relationships, developing strategic partnerships, and integrating our ALPR solutions into customers’ systems.”

Which Intrada products and solutions are currently in the highest demand?
“At the moment, Intrada ALPR is in high demand due to its easy implementation and immediate ROI. It’s a critical component for tolling, parking, and speed enforcement. Additionally, Intrada Insight is gaining traction by enhancing video tolling accuracy and reducing costs, all while remaining camera-agnostic. Another popular solution is the Intrada Synergy Server (ISS), which integrates seamlessly into tolling, parking, and enforcement applications.

We’re also exploring innovative uses for our technology, such as detecting mobile phone use while driving and verifying vehicle information at service stations. It’s exciting to see how versatile our solutions can be.”

How is the industry evolving, and what trends are shaping ALPR technology?
“AI and machine learning are revolutionizing ALPR. Customers are demanding smarter, more feature-rich solutions that offer deeper analytics. There’s a growing focus on reducing congestion through traffic management and utilizing ALPR for real-time law enforcement and crime prevention.

We’re also seeing more interest in Smart City and IoT integration, as well as mobile ALPR solutions like handheld devices and body cameras. Alongside this growth, data privacy, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance are becoming more important, and staying ahead of these challenges is critical.”

Which markets hold the most potential for growth?
“While tolling and law enforcement remain our strongest markets, we’re seeing increasing demand in regions just beginning to adopt Intelligent Transportation Systems. Many of these areas still rely on manual enforcement, but as they modernize, ALPR will play a crucial role. With Intrada ALPR supporting over 200 countries, we’re poised to help these markets quickly transition to automated systems.”

Looking ahead 5–10 years, what are the biggest challenges and opportunities for ALPR?
“ALPR will become even more prevalent, especially in law enforcement and government applications. AI-driven improvements will increase automation, and we expect private-sector adoption to grow, particularly in logistics and fleet management.

A key trend will be the deeper integration of ALPR into smart city infrastructure, making urban traffic systems more efficient. As technology becomes more affordable, it will become more accessible globally, but regulatory compliance and public trust will be crucial. Addressing security and data privacy concerns will be essential for ALPR’s widespread adoption.”

Final thoughts—where is Q-Free heading in the ALPR space?
“We’re pushing the boundaries of ALPR technology. Our fingerprinting solution, for example, can recognize vehicles even when license plates are partially obscured. By collaborating with academia and staying ahead of technological advancements, we’re ensuring that Intrada ALPR remains a leader in the field.

The future of ALPR is full of exciting possibilities, and I’m proud to be part of a company that’s delivering high-quality solutions while driving innovation.”