As part of Q-Free’s commitment to leading the charge in innovative tolling and traffic management solutions, Blaz Gostisa, Q-Free VP of Eastern Europe, shares insights into the projects transforming Slovenia’s transportation landscape.

Blaz’s team is at the forefront, delivering solutions that prioritize safety, efficiency, and sustainability for the region’s growing infrastructure needs.

Transforming Slovenia’s Tolling and Traffic Management Systems

Q: Could you describe the main projects your team is working on in Slovenia?

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

In tolling, we’re collaborating with Telekom Slovenije on a decade-long initiative that manages one of Q-Free’s largest tolling systems. Operational since April 2018, this system tracks freight vehicles over 3.5 tons through an infrastructure that includes 133 toll gantries, 26 mobile enforcement units, 145 customer service points, and 57 handheld units, all supported by our online back office. A recent upgrade allows support for the European Electronic Toll Service (EETS), integrating Toll Service Providers like Telepass and Toll4Europe.

On the traffic management side, we’ve been the backbone of Slovenia’s traffic infrastructure since 2004. Our system links five regional centers to a central hub and includes over 300 variable message signs, with data collected from hundreds of sensors across the country. This network enables us to manage traffic flow, enhance road safety, and provide critical alerts on hazards.

Upcoming Projects and Innovations

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

A: Certainly! There are a few significant projects on the horizon. By November 2024, new EU regulations will require us to adapt the Slovenian Truck Tolling System to include CO₂ emission classifications by 2025.

We’re also working on a major initiative around the Ljubljana Ring Road, where we’re optimizing traffic algorithms and implementing new traffic programs to integrate a range of cutting-edge technology. A key element of this project includes installing 25 Q-Free C-ITS units to enhance real-time data capabilities and connectivity.

Evolving Customer Demands

Q: How have customer demands shifted over the past five years?

A: Customers are increasingly focused on information security and standardized processes for software development and maintenance. As cybersecurity risks rise globally, our approach emphasizes strict adherence to security standards, ensuring our solutions remain resilient and reliable.

Vision for the Future: Sustainability and Road Safety

Q: What changes do you foresee in the next 5-10 years for the region?

A: 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.

Slovenia’s Unique Role in Eastern Europe

Q: What makes Slovenia unique in terms of tolling and traffic management?

A: Slovenia is small, with only about 2 million people. But, as the saying goes, “poison is 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.

Final Thoughts

Slovenia is poised to lead in tolling and traffic management innovations, and Q-Free is dedicated to supporting this vision. Our team is committed to delivering the best solutions for safety, efficiency, and sustainability on the road.